Para paddler Nurjahan Jamani wins Gujarat's Sardar Patel Sports Award
Synopsis
A polio survivor who quit the sport for over a decade, Nurjahan Jamani returned in 2022 and is now India's No. 1 para table tennis player and world No. 27 — and has just been handed Gujarat's highest sporting honour. With the 2026 Asian Para Games in her sights, her story is one of the most compelling comebacks in Indian para sport.
Key Takeaways
Nurjahan Noorali Jamani received the Sardar Patel Sports Award from the Government of Gujarat on 13 August 2025 .
The award was presented by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi at a ceremony in Gandhinagar .
Nurjahan is ranked No.
27 in the world in para table tennis.
She was diagnosed with polio at age five and returned to competitive sport in 2022 after a decade-long break.
She successfully defended her title at the UTT Para Senior National Championship 2025-26 in Indore .
Her next target is the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan (18–24 October).
India's top-ranked para table tennis player Nurjahan Noorali Jamani has been conferred the Sardar Patel Sports Award by the Government of Gujarat, recognising her remarkable comeback and rise to the pinnacle of Indian para sport. The award was presented by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi at a ceremony in Gandhinagar on Wednesday, 13 August 2025.
About the Award
Instituted by the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department of the Government of Gujarat, the Sardar Patel Sports Award is among the state's highest sporting honours. Named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, it recognises athletes who have demonstrated resilience, determination, and excellence while bringing distinction to Gujarat and India.
Nurjahan's Journey
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 over a decade. Her return to competitive play in 2022 set off an extraordinary run. She is currently ranked No. 1 in India and No. 27 in the world in her category — a standing built on consistent podium performances at national and international events.
Notably, she successfully defended her title at the UTT Para Senior National Championship 2025-26 in Indore, having previously won the UTT National Para Table Tennis Championship. Based in Ahmedabad, she also works as a Junior Officer at Adani Airport Holdings Limited.
Institutional Support Behind the Rise
Nurjahan's competitive resurgence has been backed by Adani Sportsline's athlete development initiative, which provides tournament planning, coaching guidance, performance monitoring, and support for international competitions under its 'Garv Hai' programme.
'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,' Nurjahan said. She added: 'I am grateful to Adani Sportsline and the 'Garv Hai' initiative for believing in me and supporting my journey at every step.'
Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, congratulated her on the honour. '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.
What Comes Next
With the state award secured, Nurjahan is now focused on qualifying for the 2026 Asian Para Games, scheduled from 18 to 24 October in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan. The event represents the next major milestone in her bid to cement India's growing stature in international para sport.
Point of View
Not just a state award. The Adani Sportsline backing raises a legitimate question mainstream coverage rarely asks: as corporate patronage fills the gap that public sports infrastructure leaves open, who sets the agenda for athlete development? Jamani's 2026 Asian Para Games bid will be the real test of whether that support translates into a medal — and into broader visibility for Indian para table tennis.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sardar Patel Sports Award?
The Sardar Patel Sports Award is one of Gujarat's highest sporting honours, instituted by the state's Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department. It is named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and recognises athletes who have shown resilience and excellence while bringing distinction to Gujarat and India.
Who is Nurjahan Jamani and why is she significant?
Nurjahan Noorali Jamani is India's No. 1-ranked para table tennis player and world No. 27 in her category. She is notable for overcoming polio diagnosed at age five and staging a competitive comeback in 2022 after a gap of more than a decade.
What titles has Nurjahan Jamani won?
Nurjahan has won the UTT National Para Table Tennis Championship and successfully defended her title at the UTT Para Senior National Championship 2025-26 in Indore. These performances propelled her to the top of India's para table tennis rankings.
What is Nurjahan Jamani's next major target?
Nurjahan is focused on qualifying for the 2026 Asian Para Games, scheduled from 18 to 24 October in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan. It represents her next significant opportunity to compete at the international level.
How has Adani Sportsline supported Nurjahan Jamani?
Adani Sportsline's 'Garv Hai' initiative has provided Nurjahan with long-term high-performance support, including tournament planning, coaching guidance, performance monitoring, and assistance for international competitions. She also works as a Junior Officer at Adani Airport Holdings Limited.
