Preethi Pal, India’s trailblazing Paralympian, has etched her name in history as the first Indian athlete to win two track medals at the Olympics or Paralympics. Her remarkable journey from a village girl with deformed feet to a Paralympic medalist is a testament to her indomitable spirit and the transformative power of sports.
Born in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, Preethi faced adversity from birth. Her deformed feet drew scorn and mockery from her community. Despite the challenges, her parents refused to give up hope and sought every possible treatment. However, traditional remedies and primitive medical care proved futile.
As a child, Preethi’s athleticism became evident. Despite her physical limitations, she excelled in sports, competing with able-bodied children. Her unique ability to run on her toes, a weakness in everyday life, became her greatest asset in athletics.
A chance encounter with para discus thrower Fatima Khatoon opened Preethi’s eyes to the world of para sports. Inspired by the achievements of blade runners, she embarked on a rigorous training regimen under the guidance of coach Gajendra Singh.
Despite financial constraints and limited resources, Preethi’s determination never wavered. She juggled training with household chores and the care of her siblings. Her unwavering focus and the support of her coach and fellow athletes propelled her to success.
At the Para Asian Games in 2022, Preethi made her international debut, finishing just outside the medals. Undeterred, she continued to train relentlessly, honing her technique and improving her endurance.
Her breakthrough came at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, where she secured bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m events. This triumph boosted her confidence and set the stage for her historic performance at the Paris Paralympics.
In Paris, Preethi defied all odds, winning bronze medals in the T35 100m and 200m events. Her victory was a moment of immense pride for India and a testament to her unwavering spirit.
Preethi’s journey is an inspiration to countless individuals facing adversity. It demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and the support of others, anything is possible. Her story is a reminder that even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome through the transformative power of sports.
