Preethi Pal today created history at the Paris Paralympics 2024, becoming the first Indian athlete to win a Paralympic medal in a track event by bagging a bronze medal in the women's 100m T35 category.

New Delhi: Preity Pal today created history at the Paris Paralympics 2024, becoming the first Indian athlete to win a Paralympic medal in a track event by bagging a bronze medal in the women's 100m T35 category. The 23-year-old Indian para-athlete clocked a personal best time of 14.21 seconds to beat People's Republic of China Zhou Xia and Qianqian Guo, who clocked 13.58 and 13.74 seconds respectively.

Earlier this year, Preity is all set as she qualified for her first Paralympics by winning a bronze medal in the women's 200m T35 at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan.

“Before I came to Paris, I was hoping to get a medal like at the worlds – I got a bronze medal, so I thought I could do it in these Paralympics,” Preeti said after her historic run at the Stade de France. “Now I hope to get a medal in 200m”, said Preeti Pal.

“I (now) train with many strong and experienced para athletes… I was fourth in the Asian Para Games but two years later I got a Paralympic medal,” she added.

The Indian para-athlete, who missed out on a medal at the Asian Para Games in China last year, said shifting her training to New Delhi had a definite impact on the encounter.

“Historic performance by Preeti Pal as she wins her second medal with a bronze in the women's 200m T35 event at the same edition of the Paralympics 2024! She is an inspiration to the people of India. Her dedication is truly remarkable,” PM Modi wrote.

A historic performance by Preity Pal, as she won her second medal in the same edition #Paralympics2024 With a bronze medal in the women's 200m T35 event! She is an inspiration to the people of India. Her dedication is truly remarkable. #Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/4q3IPJDUII

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1 September 2024