Defying disability, polio-stricken sportswoman emerges as beacon of hope for differently able individuals

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd May, 2026) Apparently frail in appearance, Taj Meena Khan, a young polio-affected girl, has emerged as a powerful symbol of resilience, courage and inspiration by defying physical limitations and societal barriers in pursuit of her passion for table tennis, inspiring many through her remarkable achievements in national para sports competitions.

Her journey, marked by immense hardships and unwavering resolve, stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Battling physical challenges from an early age, Taj Meena refused to let polio define her future. Through relentless training, perseverance and an unbreakable spirit, she transformed adversity into strength and emerged as one of Pakistan’s promising para-athletes.

Like many other ill-fated children, Taj Meena fell victim to inadequate immunization and contracted polio during infancy, losing the use of both her legs.

Pakistan is among the only two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio remains endemic, continuing to affect children and leaving many with lifelong disabilities.

Growing up in a locality near Kohat Road in Peshawar, she would often watch boys playing cricket in the streets. She too longed to participate in sports, but her disability prevented her from joining field games.

Later, one of her friends suggested that she try table tennis. Inspired by the idea, she visited Qayyum Sports Complex, where she was enrolled to pursue the sport professionally.

“Every day, I travel nearly six kilometres from my home to the sports complex for practice. Most of the time, my wheelchair is pushed by my nephew, Subhan, while at times I move it myself with my hands despite immense physical challenges,” Taj Meena told APP.

Her family was initially reluctant to allow her to travel daily in a wheelchair due to concerns over heavy traffic and her safety.

Due to prevailing cultural norms, she also faced resistance from relatives who were hesitant to allow her to leave home and play in a male-dominated sports environment.

Taj Meena said there were initially no differently-abled players in the table tennis category, forcing her to practice alongside able-bodied players to improve her skills and gain competitive experience.

Several years of relentless hard work, unwavering determination and dedication enabled Taj Meena to make her mark by securing first position in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Para Wheelchair Table Tennis Championship in 2024.

Undeterred by challenges, she continued her remarkable journey from the provincial to the national level, winning a gold medal in the National Table Tennis Championship in 2025 and emerging as one of the country’s most inspiring para-athletes.

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In October, Taj Meena will represent Pakistan at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, becoming the first differently-abled sportswoman from the country to achieve the distinction in Table Tennis.

“Taj Meena is one of the brightest gems among our players, having demonstrated extraordinary spirit and dedication to emerge as a leading athlete in the differently-abled women’s category,” commented Mian Absar Ali, Table Tennis Coach at Qayyum Stadium.

Absar said the girl is striving hard to prove her mettle at the Asian Games, but she still lacks the support she deserves, including financial assistance for nutritious food to improve her strength and stamina, as well as access to international-standard rackets.

He said talented players like Taj Meena deserve employment opportunities in national institutions or a monthly government stipend to encourage and support their continued progress in sports.

Unfortunately, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2020 does not contain any provision ensuring a job quota for differently-abled sportspersons in government institutions, added Absar, who has also studied law.

Absar said that securing a top position at the Asian Games requires rigorous daily practice of at least 5,000 strokes, which demands proper nutritional support to build strength and stamina. However, no such support is currently being provided.

Apart from sports, Taj Meena is also supporting fellow persons with disabilities by visiting the Paraplegic Centre and counselling patients.

“Persons with disabilities often experience severe mental stress and require encouragement and psychological support,” she observed.

“I share my journey of success in sports to inspire wheelchair-bound persons not to lose hope and to continue striving to turn their dreams into reality,” Taj Meena said.

She also advised polio-affected patients to actively participate in sports to overcome psychological trauma and gain confidence.

Taj Meena also urged parents to ensure complete immunization of their children to protect them from diseases, especially polio, which affects not only patients but also their entire families.

She expressed her willingness to serve as a “Polio Ambassador” for organizations working for the protection of children.

“I want to see every child protected from disability caused by polio. I want to play my role in spreading awareness about the importance of vaccination and protecting children in our country,” Taj Meena remarked.