Preeti Pal recently made history by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win a Paralympic or Olympic track medal, securing two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m T35 events at Paris 2024. This groundbreaking achievement has brought immense pride to the nation and elevated her as a beacon of hope and resilience.
In a recent development ahead of the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, Preeti has been honoured by being named one of India’s official flag bearers for the event, alongside Paralympic gold medalist Dharambir Singh.
The championships, scheduled from September 27 to October 5, will be India’s largest-ever para-athletics competition held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This role highlights her status as a national icon and symbol of determination, inspiring fellow athletes and millions across the country.
Pal’s Journey
Preeti Pal’s story is one of remarkable courage and determination. Born on 22 September 2000 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, with cerebral palsy, her early years were fraught with hardship. Her legs were in plaster for six days after birth, and she wore callipers until age 13.
Medical treatment was scarce in her hometown, and many doubted her ability to lead a normal life. Yet, at 17, a serendipitous discovery of Paralympic Athletics videos on YouTube ignited a dream within her. Despite facing financial constraints and lacking proper equipment, Preeti began training at a local stadium, demonstrating a spirit that refused to be broken.
Her decision to move to Delhi proved pivotal, as it provided access to professional coaching, physiotherapy, and top-notch facilities through the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
History-Making Success at Paris 2024
Preeti’s hard work culminated in her participation at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she made history by becoming the first Indian track athlete to win a Paralympic medal. She earned two bronze medals in the women’s 100m and 200m T35 events, clocking personal bests of 14.21 seconds and 30.01 seconds, respectively.
Competing in the T35 classification for athletes with coordination impairments, her achievement highlighted India’s growing prominence in para-sports. Preeti’s journey from narrowly missing medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games to podium finishes at World Championships and finally at the Paralympics is a testament to her relentless dedication.
Her success brought immense pride to her community, many of whom had doubted her potential in the past due to her disability.
Leading India as Flagbearer for New Delhi 2025
In recognition of her exceptional achievements and inspiring journey, Preeti has been named the official flag bearer for India at the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, scheduled from September 27 to October 5 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
This event is the largest para-athletics competition India has ever hosted. Alongside Paralympic gold medalist Dharambir Singh, who will also be a flag bearer, Preeti leads a 73-member Indian contingent aiming for glory on home soil.
The Paralympic Committee of India’s president, Devendra Jhajharia, has expressed confidence in the team’s potential for a strong medal haul. Preeti’s motivating words underscore her spirit: “This journey has been about immense hard work and dedication… I aim to strike gold and bring greater glory to India”.paralympic+2
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Preeti Pal’s life and achievements symbolize the triumph of human spirit over adversity, spreading a message of hope, inclusion, and empathy. Her journey challenges stereotypes around disability and highlights the importance of systemic support such as accessible healthcare, financial aid, and quality training facilities for differently-abled athletes.
As India prepares to host this landmark event, it is an opportune moment to foster dialogue on how communities can further embrace and support para-athletes beyond the field, ensuring equal access to opportunities and nurturing talent with kindness and respect.
