PM Lauds Para-Athletes Preethi Pal, Nishad Kumar For Medals At Paris Paralympics: 'India Is Elated'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded para-athletes Nishad Kumar and Preethi Pal after they fetched a silver and bronze for India respectively at the Paris Paralympics in Chateauroux on Sunday.

In separate X posts, PM Modi termed para-athlete Preethi Pal’s win at the Paris Paralympics a “historic achievement”, and said “India is elated” at Nishad Kumar’s win.

“A historic achievement by Preeti Pal, as she wins her second medal in the same edition of the Paralympics 2024 with a Bronze in the Women’s 200m T35 event! She is an inspiration for the people of India. Her dedication is truly remarkable,” PM Modi’s X post on Sunday read.

“Congrats to Nishad Kumar for his remarkable achievement in winning a Silver medal in the Men’s High Jump T47 event at the Paralympics 2024! He has shown us all that with passion and determination, everything is possible. India is elated,” his other post on Monday read.

This came hours after India ended Day 4 of competitions at 27th spot in the rankings with seven medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze).

President Droupadi Murmu also took to X and said, “Congratulations to Preethi Pal on winning bronze medal in Women’s 200m – T35 event of the Paris Paralympics. After her 100m bronze, this is her second medal in the Paris Paralympics, an exceptional achievement.”

“Both para-athletics medals for India have been won by her. India is proud of her. Draped in tricolour, her victorious images have electrified sports lovers. May she strengthen sports culture among the youth and win greater accolades for India,” her post read.

In another post, the President wrote, “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.”

Preethi created history as she became the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics, while Nishad Kumar clinched his second successive silver at the showpiece in the men’s high jump T47 category.