Iraqi champion Najla Imad continued her brilliance at the 2026 Nagoya Paralympic Asian Games, achieving a well-deserved victory over her Indian competitor Prachi Pandey, winning three sets to none in the semi-final round of the women's singles table tennis competition, class six, securing a new medal for Iraq.
Imad is set to meet Chinese player Liu Xiaowu in the final match, competing for the gold medal, this morning Tuesday at nine o'clock Baghdad time.
The President of the Paralympic Table Tennis Federation, Luay Al-Sarai, praised the exceptional level presented by the Iraqi champion, emphasizing that her victories reflect the spirit of determination and willpower of Iraq's champions, and their ability to compete with the strongest players in Asia, raising the country's name in international forums.
Al-Sarai stated in a statement received by the Video News Agency that Najla Imad has once again proved she is one of the top stars of Paralympic table tennis, thanks to her strong performance and consistency in decisive matches, praising the role played by coach Haider Saleem in her technical and psychological preparation, and in devising appropriate strategies that contributed to her reaching the final match.
He added that this achievement came as a result of continuous work and cooperation between the player and her coach, alongside the federation's efforts and preparation phases, indicating that reaching the final represents a source of pride and honor for the Iraqi sports family.
Al-Sarai expressed his confidence in Imad's ability to continue her shining journey and compete fiercely for the gold medal against her Chinese opponent, hoping that her efforts will culminate in raising the Iraqi flag atop the winners' podium and playing the national anthem in the skies of Nagoya.