“I still cannot believe that I won my first medal” – Preethi Pal shares thoughts after winning bronze medal at Paris 2024 Paralympics

Indian para-sprinter Preethi Pal, who recently won a bronze medal in the women’s 100m T35 event on Friday at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympics, expressed her amazement in clinching a medal in her Paralympic Games debut.

Speaking to the media after her medal-winning performance at the Stade de France stadium in Paris, Preethi said:

“I still cannot believe that I won my first medal. This was my first Paralympic and I got a medal in that, I cannot believe that.”

Preethi Pal’s victory was a historic one, as this marked the first-ever Paralympic medal won in the women’s 100m event by an Indian para-athlete.

Her medal is also the only one won by a non-para-shooter so far. All the other medals won by Indian para-athletes in the Paris 2024 Parlaympics have been won in para-shooting events.

Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal clinched a gold and bronze medal, respectively in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, while Manish Narwal won a silver medal in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event.

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“Everyone said that she couldn't do it” – Preethi Pal recounts ‘blessings’ from loved ones after Paris 2024 Paralympics medal win

After a landmark win in her Paralympic debut, Preethi Pal recounted how she was doubted by many people before the event. However, she expressed gratitude for several people who helped her in her medal-winning journey, including fellow Paralympian Fatima Khatoon and her coach Gajendra Singh.

Speaking to the media, Preethi said:

“I feel so proud as this is the first medal in [women's 100m] athletics. So thank you so much for supporting me so much, for motivating me. I'd especially like to thank Fatima [Khatoon] di, my coach Gajju bhaiya [Gajender Singh], Simran [Sharma] di, and my family. They have given me so many blessings.”

“Everyone said that she couldn't do it, but these people motivated me,” she added.

Preethi Pal started her career after she was introduced to para-sports by former Paralympian Fatima. She has been training under Gajendra since taking part in the 2022 Asian Para Games, supported by his wife and fellow para-sprinter Simran Sharma.