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India's No. 1 Para Table Tennis Star Nurjahan Noorali Fights for Asian Para Games Spot

India's top para table tennis player Nurjahan Noorali is participating in a crucial four-tournament international series to qualify for the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan. Ranked World No. 27 in Class 7 and eighth in Asia, she aims to break into the top six to secure her spot. After overcoming polio, she has rapidly risen to become India's No. 1, winning national titles and receiving support from Adani Sportsline's 'Garv Hai' initiative. The campaign includes events in Montenegro, Slovenia, and Taiwan, with her employer Adani Airport Holdings providing flexibility for her training and competitions.

Key Points: Nurjahan Noorali's Asian Para Games Qualification Campaign

  • Nurjahan Noorali is India's No. 1 para table tennis player in Class 7
  • She is competing in four tournaments across Europe and Asia for Asian Para Games qualification
  • She aims for a top 6 finish in Asia, currently ranked 8th
  • Adani Sportsline's 'Garv Hai' initiative provides her with financial and logistical support
3 min read

India No. 1 Nurjahan Noorali part of crucial campaign for Asian Para Games qualification

India's top para table tennis player Nurjahan Noorali competes in four international tournaments to secure a top 6 Asian ranking and qualify for the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan.

"This phase is crucial for my qualification. With consistent support and the right training environment, I am focused on breaking into the Top 6 in Asia. - Nurjahan Noorali"

Ahmedabad, May 5

Adani Sportsline Garv Hai-supported India's top para table tennis player Nurjahan Noorali is participating in an important international series, featuring four tournaments in Europe and Asia. These events are key to her efforts to qualify for the 2026 Asian Para Games, scheduled in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, this October.

Nurjahan, ranked World No. 27 in Class 7 according to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Para Table Tennis rankings, approaches this stage with a definite goal.

Her campaign started at the ITTF World Para Challenger Podgorica in Montenegro from April 29 to May 2. She then participates in the ITTF World Para Challenger Laško in Slovenia from May 5 to 9, followed by the ITTF World Para Elite Lasko from May 11 to 15. She will finish her campaign at the ITTF World Para Elite Taipei City, Taiwan, from May 17 to 21.

Currently ranked eighth in Asia, she aims for a top 6 finish to qualify, marking a crucial milestone in her career. After being diagnosed with polio at five, Nurjahan returned to competitive table tennis in 2022 and has progressed quickly. She secured gold at the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) National Para Table Tennis Championships and retained her title at the UTT Para Senior National Championship 2025-26 in Indore earlier this year, which earned her the top spot in India in her category.

Nurjahan, based in Ahmedabad, is a Junior Officer at Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). The company has provided her with flexibility and leave, allowing her to focus on training and international competitions.

Her preparation has been bolstered by structured support, including guidance on choosing tournaments, access to recommended coaching, ongoing performance monitoring, and financial assistance for international events. This comprehensive support allows her to compete consistently at the top level.

"This phase is crucial for my qualification. With consistent support and the right training environment, I am focused on breaking into the Top 6 in Asia," said Nurjahan.

Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), said, "Nurjahan's journey reflects grit, resilience and discipline. Her ability to balance professional responsibilities with sporting excellence makes her stand out. We are proud to support her as she prepares for this important phase and aims to make the country proud."

Through its 'Garv Hai' initiative, Adani Sportsline continues to support emerging athletes by providing resources, exposure, and the ecosystem they need to excel at the highest level. With qualification at stake, the ongoing international circuit represents a crucial phase in Nurjahan's development on the global stage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Anjali F
Honestly, it's good to see corporate support for para sports. But this should not be limited to just one company or a few athletes. Government needs to step up massively. Why are para athletes struggling for basic facilities while able-bodied sports get all the limelight? Nurjahan's fight is bigger than just table tennis.
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Siddhartha F
Brilliant to see an Ahmedabad girl shine on the world stage! 🇮🇳 She's balancing a job at Adani and training for tournaments across Europe and Asia - that's no joke. Hope the system supports more such athletes who don't come from privileged backgrounds. Rooting for you, Nurjahan! 💪
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Riya H
The fact that she won gold at the national championships and is now aiming for Top 6 in Asia is remarkable. But I wish the article told us more about her training routine and how she manages the travel. That would inspire more young para athletes. Also, what about other sports - why only table tennis highlighted?
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Michael C
This is the kind of story that should be on front pages, not just sports sections. A para athlete fighting against all odds with corporate backing - that's the India we want to see. Good luck to Nurjahan from across the world! 🌏
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Karthik V
Not a fan of the Adani PR machine but credit where it's due - they are supporting athletes who need it. This is more than what most corporates do. But I hope the support continues irrespective of results. Para sports need long-term commitment, not just sponsorship during qualification phases. Nurjahan deserves all the help she can get. 👏

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