Introduction
Zainab Barkat is a remarkable athlete hailing from Peshawar , Pakistan, where her journey in the world of ping pong commenced back in February 2005. Born in August 1990, her passion for wheelchair table tennis has propelled her to extraordinary height, marking her as a true inspiration in the sporting realm.
Zainab’s dedication and skill have not only garnered her personal success but have also seen her represent khyber Pakhunkhwa Table Tennis Teas with distinction on both provincial and national stages. Her unwavering determination, coupled with her exceptional talent, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.
Zainab Barkat exemplifies the spirit of resilience, perseverance and excellence. She embodies the true essence of sportsmanship , leaving and indelible mark ion the heart of her fans and admirers alike. Zainab Barkat stands not only as champion on the table but also as a symbol of pride for Pakistan, showcasing the boundless potential and sheer determination of its athletes.
Career Objective:
Zainab Barkat’s aspirations soar beyond mere victories; she envisions herself as a Paraplympic Gold Medalist, a beacon of national pride on the global stage. Yet, her ambitions extend far beyond personal glory. Zainab is driven by a profound mission to ignite a spark of inspiration among individuals with disabilities, urging them to embrace the transformative power of sports on their journey to triumph.
In Zainab’s eyes, the pursuit of excellence knows no bunds, and she remains steadfast in her mission to pave the way for brighter, more inclusive future. With every triumph and every challenge overcome, she epitomizes the resilience, grace and unwavering spirt of those who dare to dream beyond the limitations imposed by society. Zainab Barkat stands as a testament to the power of determination, inspiring countless individuals to reach for the stars and rewrite the narrative of what is possible.
International Achievements
- Year 2019, One month Table Tennis Training from Zing Ding Table Tennis Academy, China.
- Year 2022, 14 days Table Tennis Training Camp (Global GAPS), Birmingham, United Kingdom.
- Year 2023, ITTF Para US Open Dallas Taxes, United State of America.
Table Tennis Career:
Starting in 2008 till 2021, she participated in Inter-District, Inter-Provincial, and National Events and bagged one Bronze, One Silver and 12 Gold Medals, details as under.
| S.No | Participated in the Events | Years | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | 2nd National Paralympic Women Games Peshawar | 2008 | Silver |
| ii | 2nd National Paralympic Women Games Peshawar | 2012 | Gold |
| iii | Islamabad Sports Festival | 2012 | Gold |
| iv | ANF Peshawar Table Tennis Championship | 2012 | Gold |
| v | National Paralympic Games Peshawar | 2014 | Gold |
| vi | 2nd KP junior & Open all Pakistan Table Tennis Championship | 2015 | Gold |
| vii | National Ability Sports Festival Peshawar | 2017 | Gold |
| viii | All Pakistan Sports Festival Abbottabad | 2017 | Gold |
| ix | All Pakistan Sports Festival Abbottabad | 2018 | Gold |
| x | National Ability Sports Festival Peshawar | 2018 | Gold |
| xi | 3rd National Ability Sports Festival Peshawar | 2019 | Gold |
| xii | 27th All Pakistan Sports Festival Abbottabad | 2019 | Gold |
| xiii | 28th All Pakistan Sports Festival Peshawar | 2020 | Gold |
| xiv | 29th All Pakistan Sports Festival Peshawar | 2021 | Gold |
| xv | Ability Sports Festival Peshawar (IDPD) | 2022 | Gold |
Awards/Appreciation from 2012 till 2022, Details as under:
| Awards/Appreciation | Year | Instituions |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Khyber Star Award | 2015 | Sports Writer Association, KP |
| Fakhr-E-Peshawar Award | 2017 | District Govt KPK |
| International Women's Day Award | 2017 | Government of KPK |
| International Sports Day Shield | 2017 | Deputy Commissioner, Nowshera |
| 4th Khyber Star Peace Award | 2017 | Sports Writer Association |
| Khadija-Tul-Kubra Award | 2018 | STEP Organization |
| CECOS Hunnar 2.0 Award | 2018 | CECOS University Peshawar |
| Afghan TV Award | 2018 | Afghan TV |
| Event Celebrity (IDPD) | 2018 | Friend of Paraplegics |
| National Youth Achievement Award | 2021 | minhag Youth League Islamabad |
| Motivational Speaker Shield | 2022 | Aisha Institute KP |
| Fakhar-e-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Award | 2022 | Directorate General Of Sport KP |
| Bint-E_Hawa Achievement Award | 2023 | Directorate of Youth Affairs KP |
Coaching & Professional Courses Attended:
Zainab has taken coaching and professional courses from following bodies/ organizations or associations.
- Friends of Paraplegics, Peshawar, Pakistan
- Paraplegic Centre, Peshawar
- Absar Welfare Foundation( AWF)
- Rehabilitation center for disabled persons
- Technical college Hayatabad
- KPK Table Tennis Association
- Wheelchair Association Of Sports
Struggles For Championship:
Zainab is the victim of the crippling polio virus at the stage of one year an has undergone three major spine surgeries. Her first surgery was undergone for 16 hour long, and placed two rods in he back. After one year, one spine was operated again due to screw keeping the rods intact had become loose. Three years later, the rods was broken and accordingly replaced after successful surgeries. She belongs to a middle-class family and male-dominated society. She struggled hard to pursue her passion for sports and finally become a national champion in her field. Now for pursuing her International Champion, she is continuously struggling optimistically with the hope that her dream will come true! In Sha ALLAH.