The fifth edition of the Ramadan Table Tennis Championship recently wrapped up at the Martyr Sabah Al-Karaawi Forum in Najaf, bringing together 65 players from diverse backgrounds, including amateurs, seasoned athletes, employees, and athletes with disabilities. The four-day event attracted participants from various governorates, showcasing the community’s shared enthusiasm for the sport.
Muslim Al-Waeli, a coach with the Najaf Paralympic Committee, explained, “This year’s championship featured three categories: amateurs and veterans, employees, and athletes with disabilities.” He added, “This edition is the largest to date, with over 65 participants, up from fewer than 50 last year.”
Initially created to support athletes with disabilities, the tournament has evolved into a platform for social inclusion. “We wanted to create an inclusive environment where all players could compete together,” said Al-Waeli. “This year, we had participants from governorates such as Al-Qadisiyah and Babil, as well as university professors and professionals.”
The event also served as a training opportunity for national competitions. “It’s not just a Ramadan gathering; it’s also a chance for our team to prepare for future tournaments,” Al-Waeli noted.
At the conclusion of the championship, organizers presented symbolic awards to all participants, emphasizing their aim to promote both competition and camaraderie. “Our goal is to create a competitive yet supportive atmosphere,” Al-Waeli said.
For many athletes, the tournament was about more than just competing. “This championship isn’t only about competition; it’s about connection,” said Benin Karim, a 22-year-old table tennis player from Najaf. “It allows us to bond with other players, whether they have disabilities or not.”
Karim highlighted the growing public support for the sport. “In the past, our tournaments had little to no audience,” she shared. “But now, with media attention, people are seeing that table tennis is flourishing here, and athletes with disabilities are achieving remarkable things.”
She also pointed out that the increase in spectators, especially during Ramadan, provided additional motivation. “Thankfully, more people are coming to watch, particularly during this blessed month,” Karim said. “Their presence gives us extra motivation to perform at our best.”
Notably, Paralympic table tennis star Najla Emad made history by securing Iraq’s first-ever gold medal in the Paralympic Games. Emad won the gold in table tennis at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, becoming the first Iraqi woman to achieve such a distinction.
