Ramadan table tennis championship wraps up in Najaf

NAJAF — The fifth edition of the Ramadan Table Tennis Championship concluded at the Martyr Sabah Al-Karaawi Forum in Najaf, uniting 65 players from various backgrounds, including amateurs, veteran athletes, employees, and competitors with disabilities. The four-day event drew participants from several governorates, highlighting a shared passion for the sport.

“The Paralympic Committee in Najaf organized this year’s championship with three categories: amateurs and veterans, employees, and players with disabilities,” said Muslim Al-Waeli, a coach with the Najaf Paralympic Committee.

“This edition is the largest yet, with over 65 participants, compared to fewer than 50 last year,” he said.

Originally established to support athletes with disabilities, the tournament has evolved into a platform for social integration. “We wanted to create an inclusive space where all players could compete together,” Al-Waeli said. “This year, we had participants from different governorates, including Al-Qadisiyah and Babil, alongside university professors and professionals.”

He added that the event also serves as preparation for national competitions. “It’s not just a Ramadan gathering but an opportunity for our team to train for upcoming tournaments,” he said.

At the conclusion of the tournament, organizers presented symbolic awards to all players, underscoring their goal of fostering both competition and camaraderie. “Our goal is to foster a competitive yet encouraging atmosphere,” Al-Waeli said.

For many athletes, the championship was about more than just competition. “This championship isn’t just about competition; it’s about connection,” said Benin Karim, a 22-year-old table tennis player from Najaf. “It gives us a chance to bond with fellow players, whether they have disabilities or not.”

She noted the growing public support for the sport. “In the past, our tournaments had little to no audience,” she said. “But with media attention, people are now aware that table tennis is thriving here, and that players with disabilities are achieving great things.”

Karim also highlighted that increased spectator turnout, particularly during Ramadan, provided extra motivation. “Thankfully, more spectators have come to watch, especially during this blessed month,” she said. “Seeing them here gives us even more motivation to improve and perform at our best.”

Paralympic table tennis star Najla Emad secured Iraq’s first-ever gold medal in the history of the country’s participation in the Paralympic Games. Emad clinched the gold in table tennis at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, becoming the first Iraqi woman to achieve the distinction.