Taj Meena, a 24-year-old polio survivor, has defied all odds by winning a gold medal in the disabled category at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial table tennis tournament. Struck by polio at just 10 months old, Taj was left paralyzed in both legs, but her resilience and passion for table tennis have paved the way for an inspiring success story.
Despite her paralysis, Taj travels six kilometers daily from her home in Peshawar to a local sports complex, navigating both physical and societal barriers. Her family, especially her young nephew Subhan Ullah Khan, plays a crucial role in supporting her journey, as Subhan pushes her wheelchair to the facility every day.
“I’ve been playing here for over a year, and it’s been my passion since childhood,” Taj shared, beaming with pride during an interview at the sports complex. Her love for the sport and her mental strength have been key to her achievements. “I don’t think of myself as disabled,” she said, expressing her pride in standing strong among other players.
Polio is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children under five, causing paralysis and even death. Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries where polio is endemic, mainly due to vaccine misinformation and security concerns. Despite ongoing vaccination efforts, Pakistan has reported over 10 polio cases this year.
Taj’s battle with the disease has been long, with her father carrying her to school until she could no longer continue beyond the fifth grade. However, her gold medal win has changed perceptions in her community, encouraging other young girls to pursue sports despite societal limitations.
“In the neighborhood, girls have asked their fathers to let them play sports, inspired by Taj’s achievements,” said her uncle, Zahir Shah Khan. “Her success has shown them that anything is possible.”
Taj also urged parents to vaccinate their children to prevent the devastation caused by polio. “Precaution is crucial,” she emphasized. “If vaccinations are done on time, children can avoid facing disabilities.”
Taj Meena’s story is not just one of personal victory but also a beacon of hope, proving that with determination, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome.
