Sudani “praised the dedicated efforts of the Paralympic Committee, the coaching staff, and the supportive families of the athletes,” read a statement from the PM’s office.
The athletes will receive monthly stipends and plots of land, in accordance with Iraqi law, which grants financial rewards and residential plots to athletes who place first to sixth in world championships, the Olympics, or Paralympics.
Sudani hailed the historic victory of Najlah Imad, a 19-year-old table tennis player, who became Iraq’s first-ever Paralympic gold medalist in the sport. Imad won the women’s class six event after defeating Ukraine’s Maryna Lytovchenko 3-1 in the final.
“This is not merely about a gold medal, but represents a narrative of sacrifice, bravery, and the resilience of Iraqi women,” the prime minister's office said, noting that Imad lost multiple limbs in a 2008 terrorist attack.
Imad was three years old when a bomb exploded in her father’s car in Diyala, northeast Iraq, causing her to lose most of her right leg, her left leg at the knee, and her right arm below the elbow.
The prime minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to sports.
The Iraqi Paralympic team won one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals at the 2024 games. A total of 20 athletes represented Iraq in 10 different sports, with bronze medals in athletics and powerlifting.
