Mason’s daughter Zainab Khatoon becomes household name after clinching Asian Para Games silver in powerlifting

She has previously won gold medal in state and national championships.

Meerut-based mason's daughter, Zainab Khatoon, has become a household name after securing a silver medal in the 61kg Powerlifting category at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.

Zainab's remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering determination, overcoming adversity as both her legs were partially paralyzed due to an adverse reaction to an injection at the age of six.

Supported by her father, Mohammed Adil, she pursued her passion for sports and received training under coach Praful Tyagi at the Kailash Prakash Stadium. Zainab's talent quickly shone through as she claimed gold medals in both state and National Championships in 2021, followed by three state gold medals, one gold, and a silver at the Nationals the following year.

Her bronze medal at the 2022 Fazza Championships in Dubai earned her a place in the Asian Powerlifting Championships.

Her life took a significant turn when she won silver in China and had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a felicitation ceremony for medal winners at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Zainab was part of the Indian contingent that achieved a record-breaking 111 medals at the Asian Para Games.

Prime Minister Modi praised Zainab Khatoon's efforts and encouraged the 27-year-old athlete, saying, "It was a surreal experience to meet our honorable Prime Minister. After greeting me, he asked what my native place was. I told him it was Meerut and that it was my first Asian Para Games, and I had won a silver medal in Powerlifting. He smiled and said that you have made the nation proud, and keep up the good work.

"It was the most memorable moment of my life to get the chance to meet the PM. I feel lucky to get this opportunity to interact with him."

PM Modi also posted a congratulatory message for Zainab on X, praising her "unparalleled determination and commitment." Inspired by the Prime Minister, Zainab has set her sights on winning a medal at the Paralympics in Paris next year. She is currently training under her personal coach and kinesiologist, Tanvir Logani, in Chhatarpur, Delhi.