Ameer has three medals and counting

When wheelchair-bound Ameer Khan started playing table tennis nine years ago, little did he know that his passion would turn into gold. Literally.

Fast forward to 2013, and Ameer has just been crowned the winner of the Men’s Single’s TT4-5 class event at the South African Para-Championships.  In other words, he’s a gold medallist!

“Back in 2004 I never took it seriously or on a competitive level like the other guys. I just enjoyed playing the game,” says the 36-year old Overport resident.  

Ameer, who works at the East Coast Radio reception desk, used to play table tennis as he hung out with friends at one of their homes but when an injury confined him to a wheelchair his passion for the sport didn’t diminish. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to meet other guys in a similar situation.

“Thinking of tomorrow is the wisdom of a fool, for tomorrow is promised to no-one." That’s the advice Ameer’s grandfather used to give him when he was growing up and it’s this “live-for-the-day” attitude and indomitable spirit that spurred him on when his injury occurred.

In 2006, he bagged a medal for completing the New York City Marathon in a handcycle. Earlier this year, he won bronze for competing in an international table tennis championship in Jordan, where he represented South Africa. 

Today, all three medals hang proudly on his wall at home - a reminder of his passion for the sport and his determination to succeed.  

Speaking  of his gold win, Ameer says, “This win was special to me, it’s the first time I’ve beaten this guy since meeting him in 2008. I was his partner in the team that travelled to Jordan so it was a big win for me.”

As part of his game plan, Ameer trained for two hours twice a week.  “I push the chair a lot to get the heart racing before having a knock!”

But as adrenalin-filled as the action is, Ameer has to maintain his cool, “I always remind myself to stick to the basics and keep the ball on the table – that way the opponent makes the mistake but easier said than done." 

With a gold medal to boot, Ameer has now set his sights on competing overseas again. “It’s up to the selection committee now and largely depends on funding from SA Table Tennis Board to see who will represent the country at the next International. Fingers crossed, Insha Allah.”

With his sassy attitude, grit and determination, there is no doubt that this will not be the last time we see Ameer Khan’s name up in lights.
 
-    Anisa Ussuph