India's No. 1 para paddler Nurjahan eyes title at ITTF World Para Future Lahti
Ahmedabad, August 6
India's No. 1 para table tennis player Nurjahan Noorali Jamani will look to build on her strong showing in Kazakhstan when she competes at the ITTF World Para Future Lahti 2026 in Finland from August 28 to 30 at the Pajulahti Olympic Training Centre.
The World No. 27 reached the quarterfinals at the ITTF World Para Future Aktobe in Kazakhstan, narrowly missing a place in the last four by just two points. The result underlined her steady progress as she prepares for another crucial ranking event, according to a release.
"Reaching the quarterfinals in Kazakhstan and coming so close has given me a lot of confidence going into Finland. I want to build on that performance and go even further. My goal is to win the tournament. Adani Sportsline's support has been instrumental in helping me compete consistently at the highest level, and I am truly grateful for it," said Nurjahan.
Ranked No. 8 in Asia in her class, Nurjahan is targeting a place among the continent's top six players to secure qualification for the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan later this year.
Diagnosed with polio at the age of five, Nurjahan returned to competitive table tennis in 2022 and has since enjoyed a remarkable rise.
She successfully defended her title at the UTT Para Senior National Championship 2025-26 in Indore after winning the UTT National Para Table Tennis Championship, performances that helped her become India's No. 1 player in her category, the release said.
With qualification for the 2026 Asian Para Games at stake, every ranking tournament is crucial for her. A strong performance in Lahti would strengthen Nurjahan's position in the Asian rankings and move her closer to representing India in Japan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see Indian para athletes getting proper support from corporates like Adani Sportsline. We need more private companies to step up and back our athletes. Best of luck to Nurjahan for the title in Finland! 🙌
Proud moment for every Indian! The way she defended her national title and is now eyeing a spot in the Asian Para Games - determination personified. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳🏓
Honestly, more power to her for her comeback in 2022. But the government should also do more for para athletes - many don't even get basic facilities. Corporate support helps, but there should be a systemic approach to develop para sports in India. Just saying.
She's already World No. 27 and now targeting the Asian Para Games! Such a fast rise since 2022. This is what happens when talent meets the right support. Go Nurjahan! 💪🏽
Reading this gives me chills. She came so close in Kazakhstan - just two points away. That hunger to win the title in Lahti is so evident. All the best to this champion from Ahmedabad! 🌟
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