President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Indian para-sprinter Preeti Pal and para-athlete Nishad Kumar for their impressive performances at the ongoing 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Nishad Kumar secured a silver medal in the Men’s High Jump T47 event, while Preeti Pal won bronze in the 200m T-35 race, becoming the first Indian woman to win two medals in track and field events at either the Paralympics or the Olympics. She achieved this remarkable feat with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds.
In a post on X on Monday, President Murmu praised Nishad Kumar: “Heartiest congratulations to Nishad Kumar for winning a silver medal in the high jump at the Paris Paralympics. It is his successive silver medal in the high jump event after his Tokyo Paralympic silver medal. His consistency and excellence can be emulated by sportspersons in our country. I wish him sustained success and glory.”
She also celebrated Preeti’s achievement: “Congratulations to Preeti Pal on winning the bronze medal in the Women’s 200m T-35 event at the Paris Paralympics. This is her second medal at these Games, following her bronze in the 100m event. Both para-athletics medals for India have been won by her. India is proud of her. Draped in the tricolor, her victorious images have electrified sports lovers. May she strengthen sports culture among the youth and win greater accolades for India.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted Preeti’s accomplishments, calling her an inspiration for all Indians. “A historic achievement by Preeti Pal, as she wins her second medal in the same edition of the #Paralympics2024 with a Bronze in the Women’s 200m T35 event! She is an inspiration for the people of India. Her dedication is truly remarkable,” he said in a post on X.
PM Modi also lauded Nishad Kumar for his stellar performance in the Men’s High Jump T-47 event, where he secured a silver medal. “Congrats to @nishad_hj for his remarkable achievement in winning a Silver medal in the Men’s High Jump T47 event at the #Paralympics2024! He has shown us all that with passion and determination, everything is possible. India is elated,” he said.
During a telephonic conversation on Sunday, PM Modi commended India’s athletes, including bronze medalists Mona Agarwal, Preeti Pal, Rubina Francis, and silver medalist Manish Narwal, saying that they have made the nation proud with their exceptional performances.
Earlier, on Friday, Preeti had captured a bronze medal in the Women’s T-35 100m race, recording a personal best time of 14.21 seconds.
India’s medal tally at the Paris Paralympics now stands at seven, with one gold, two silvers, and four bronzes. On Sunday, Rubina Francis added to this tally by earning bronze in the P2-Women’s 10M Air Pistol SH-1 final with a score of 211.1 points.
Reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara continued her winning streak by securing gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle final, achieving a personal best score of 249.7 points. Shooter Mona Agarwal also contributed with a bronze.
Manish Narwal further boosted India’s medal count with a silver in the Men’s P1 10m Air Pistol SH1 competition.
This year, India has sent its largest-ever contingent to the Paralympics, comprising 84 athletes across 12 sports.
(With ANI input)