Bhubaneswar: When a newborn Preethi Pal was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, many in her village whispered that she was “cursed.” Today, that same girl has become India’s only track athlete with multiple Paralympic medals, rewriting both destiny and history.
Born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Preethi’s early life was marked by constant struggle. Her legs were wrapped in plaster soon after birth, and she spent her childhood wearing calipers for nearly eight years. “People used to say my daughter would never walk, let alone run,” recalls her mother, who still tears up at the memory. “But she always wanted to prove everyone wrong.”
Growing up, Preethi endured not only physical pain but also social stigma. In her village, a girl with a disability was seen as a burden. Yet, amid the isolation and judgment, she discovered hope in an unlikely place — the television screen. Watching the Paralympics for the first time as a teenager, Preethi realized that athletes like her could rise to global glory. “That moment changed my life,” she says. “I wanted the world to know my name — not for my disability, but for my strength.”
Her journey took a decisive turn when she met Fatima Khatoon, a para-athlete who introduced her to competitive sport. Soon after, Preethi moved to Delhi to train under coach Gajendra Singh at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The early days were grueling — endless hours of strength work, balance drills, and diet restrictions. But under Singh’s guidance, her confidence soared. “Preethi had the heart of a fighter,” Singh says. “All she needed was the right track and a little belief.”
That belief led her to the world stage. At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Preethi stunned the world by winning bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m T35 events — the first Indian track athlete ever to claim two medals at a single Paralympic Games. Her 100m bronze also marked India’s first-ever track medal in Paralympic history.
Standing on the podium, she could only think of her parents. “Every medal is for them,” she said. “They were told I would never walk. Now, they’ve seen me run for India.”
From being labeled “cursed” to becoming a national inspiration, Preethi Pal’s story is a testament to perseverance and purpose. She now dreams of turning her medals into a message — to inspire more girls with disabilities to chase their dreams. “If I can do it,” she smiles, “so can they.”
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