Najlah Imad, a survivor of a devastating car bomb attack in Iraq, is now setting her sights on gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, despite losing three limbs in the tragic incident.
Discovering her passion for table tennis at the age of 10, Najlah’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. Despite initial skepticism from her family, she persevered, inspired by the positive energy of fellow athletes with disabilities.
After six months of intensive training, Najlah made her debut in a local tournament, emerging victorious and igniting her passion for the sport. Since then, she has competed in numerous international tournaments, proudly displaying her collection of medals and trophies.
Supported by Iraq’s Paralympic committee, Najlah trains diligently in modest facilities, often repairing secondhand ping-pong tables sourced from a junkyard. Despite these challenges, her dedication remains unwavering.
With her father by her side, Najlah trains both in Baquba and Baghdad, and occasionally travels abroad for practice sessions. Her ultimate goal is always clear: to win gold.
Despite her rigorous training schedule, Najlah remains committed to her education, balancing her studies with her athletic pursuits.
As Najlah prepares to represent Iraq on the world stage once again, her father remains confident in her abilities, proud of her determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
