Najlah Imad’s journey to the Paris 2024 Paralympics has been nothing short of extraordinary, and now she stands on the verge of making history. At just 19 years old, Najlah has earned her place in the gold medal match, an achievement that reflects her resilience, skill, and determination. Her path to the final has been remarkable: she triumphed over France’s Morgen Caillaud with a commanding 3-0 win in the quarterfinals, followed by a thrilling 3-1 victory against Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Maliak Alieva in the semi-finals. Now, she prepares to compete for the top prize, making her story one of the most inspiring at these Games.
But Najlah’s success didn’t come easily. In 2008, a bomb explosion in Baquba, Iraq, irrevocably altered her life. At just three years old, she lost much of her right leg, her left leg at the knee, and her right forearm. Her future was uncertain, but Najlah’s indomitable spirit never faltered.
At the age of 10, she discovered table tennis, despite her family’s initial concerns. “Table tennis was a turning point for me. It changed my life,” she says. That moment ignited her passion for the sport and set her on a path to becoming one of the world’s top para table tennis players.
Her rapid rise began just six months after picking up the paddle when she won her first local tournament in Baghdad. This victory set the stage for a glittering international career, competing in over 30 events, including the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and the 2022 Asian Para Games, where she won gold.
“My advice to all people, especially women, is that my disability has not prevented me from achieving my dream. Strive, and continue to work until you reach your dream.” – Najlah Imad
