- India No. 1, World No. 27 para table tennis star honoured by Gujarat Government for sporting excellence
- Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi confers prestigious award on Ahmedabad-based ‘Garv Hai’ athlete
- Nurjahan’s remarkable comeback from a decade-long break showcases resilience, grit and national ambition
- Adani Sportsline-backed champion now targets qualification for 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan
NE SPORTS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, AUG 13
A champion who refused to let adversity write her story has now earned one of Gujarat’s highest sporting honours. India’s top-ranked para table tennis player Nurjahan Noorali Jamani has been conferred the prestigious Sardar Patel Sports Award by the Government of Gujarat, adding a glittering new chapter to an extraordinary sporting comeback that has taken her from a childhood battle with polio to the pinnacle of Indian para table tennis.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi presented the coveted award to the Ahmedabad-based athlete at a ceremony in Gandhinagar on Wednesday.
For Nurjahan, the honour carries special significance as the Sardar Patel Sports Award, instituted by the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department of the Government of Gujarat, is among the State’s highest sporting recognitions. Named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the award celebrates sporting excellence, resilience and determination while recognising athletes who bring distinction to Gujarat and India.
A comeback written in courage
Diagnosed with polio at the age of five, Nurjahan first competed in para table tennis between 2007 and 2010 before stepping away from the sport for more than a decade.
Her return to competitive table tennis in 2022, however, sparked a remarkable second innings.
Since making her comeback, she has successfully defended her title at the UTT Para Senior National Championship 2025-26 in Indore, following her triumph at the UTT National Para Table Tennis Championship. Her sustained performances have propelled her to India No. 1 and World No. 27 in her category.
‘Every milestone strengthens my resolve’
“This recognition from the Government of Gujarat is incredibly special and motivates me to aim even higher. Every milestone strengthens my resolve to represent India with pride,” said Nurjahan.
“I am grateful to Adani Sportsline and the ‘Garv Hai’ initiative for believing in me and supporting my journey at every step,” she added.
Nurjahan’s journey has been supported by Adani Sportsline’s ‘Garv Hai’ initiative, which provides promising Indian athletes with long-term, high-performance support.
The initiative supports her through tournament planning, coaching guidance, performance monitoring and assistance for international competitions, helping her prepare and compete consistently at the highest level.
Based in Ahmedabad, Nurjahan also serves as a Junior Officer at Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), India’s largest private airport operator.
‘Nurjahan’s journey reflects the determination of champions’
Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline, congratulated Nurjahan on the recognition.
“Nurjahan’s journey reflects the determination and resilience that defines champions. We are proud to support her through ‘Garv Hai’ and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition,” he said.
The latest honour arrives at a crucial juncture in Nurjahan’s career. With the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from October 18 to 24, the para paddler now has another major target in sight.
For an athlete who once walked away from competitive sport for more than a decade and returned to become India No. 1 and World No. 27, the Sardar Patel Sports Award is not merely a trophy—it is a powerful recognition of a comeback fuelled by courage, consistency and an unwavering determination to make India proud.
