Najla Emad wins Iraq’s first ever Paralympic gold at Paris 2024 games

BAGHDAD — Najla Emad has 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 such a distinction.

Hailing from Diyala province, Emad faced a formidable opponent in the finals: Ukraine’s Maryna Lytovchenko. Despite limited preparation time due to her school exams in Iraq, the 19-year-old champion emerged victorious, defeating Lytovchenko 3-1 in the final of the women’s class six event.

“This is Iraq’s first gold medal in Paralympic table tennis history, and it’s also the first for the Arab world,” said her coach, Haidar Salim. “Najla’s victory over the world number one is an achievement in itself.”

Emad, who graduated from Al-Mujtahidat High School for Girls in July, lost both her legs and her right arm at the age of three due to an explosive device that detonated in her father’s military vehicle. She plans to pursue a degree in media studies and aspires to a career in television.

In May, Emad told AFP in a feature about her Paralympic preparation, “I always aim for gold,” setting high expectations ahead of her Paralympic debut.

Loeay Al-Saray, vice president of the Iraqi Table Tennis Federation, noted that Najla’s preparations were hampered by her school exams, which spanned two months.

In a statement, the Iraqi Paralympic Committee described her victory as “a historic achievement for Iraqi sports,” noting that she is the first Iraqi athlete to win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games. The committee emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, saying it reflects Najla’s dedication and perseverance.

The final match drew significant attention from fans and viewers, showcasing Najla’s outstanding performance. “The victory is a powerful motivation for young athletes in Iraq to pursue excellence in international competitions,” the statement added.

Najla expressed her “immense happiness” with the win, dedicating it to the Iraqi people. She credited her success to the support of her family, the Paralympic Committee, her coaches, teammates, and all who stood by her throughout her athletic journey.

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani extended his congratulations to the Iraqi athletes who secured medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. He specifically congratulated Najla Emad for her gold medal in table tennis and also recognized fencers Ammar Hadi, Zain Al-Abideen Gilan, and Haider Ali for their silver medal, Garrah Nassar for his bronze in shot put, and Wuldan Nizar for his bronze in javelin throw, according to a statement from his media office.