Biography
Started: She took up the sport at age 26 at the Beit Halochem centre in Haifa, Israel. (Athlete, 28 Aug 2021)
Reason: She began playing badminton during her rehabilitation after also trying swimming. (rinunim.co.il, 19 Jan 2024)
Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (rinunim.co.il, 19 Jan 2024)
Additional Info: DOCUMENTARY
A documentary film about her life titled 'Nina is an Athlete' premiered at Slamdance Film Festival in the United States of America in January 2024. (filmcarnage.com, 22 Jan 2024; rinunim.co.il, 19 Jan 2024; comingsoon.net, 11 Jan 2024)
OCCUPATION
She has worked as an educational consultant at a secondary school in Israel. (Athlete, 28 Aug 2021)
GEORGIA TO ISRAEL
She emigrated from Georgia to Israel at age 10. (rinunim.co.il, 19 Jan 2024)
Sporting Relatives: Her husband Dor Kessel has served as her coach. (rinunim.co.il, 19 Jan 2024; zdvo.org, 15 Jul 2021)
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Details
GenderFemale
Birth DateMarch 2, 1981
Place of ResidenceKIRYAT TIV'ON
OccupationAthlete
Languages SpokenHebrew
CoachDor Kessel [husband]; Leon Pugach, ISR
Highlights
| Rank | Event | Year | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralympic Games | ||||
| 7 | Singles WH1 | 2020 | Tokyo, JPN | |
| NDSF Royal Cliff Beach BWF Para Badminton World Ch | ||||
| 2 | Women's WH2 Doubles W | 2007 | Bangkok, THA | |
| 3 | Doubles WH1-WH2 | 2011 | Guatemala City, GUA | |
| 3 | Singles WH2 | 2009 | Seoul, KOR | |
| 3 | Women's WH2-WH3 Doubles W | 2009 | Seoul, KOR | |
| 3 | Mixed WH2 Doubles X | 2007 | Bangkok, THA | |
| 4 | Women's WH3 Doubles W | 2011 | Guatemala City, GUA | |
| 4 | Mixed WH3 Doubles X | 2009 | Seoul, KOR | |
| 5 | Singles WH1 | 2024 | Pattaya, THA | |
| 5 | Singles WH1 | 2019 | Basel, SUI | |
| 5 | Doubles WH1-WH2 | 2019 | Basel, SUI | |
| 5 | Women's WH1-WH2 Singles | 2011 | Guatemala City, GUA | |
| 9 | Singles WH1 | 2022 | Tokyo, JPN | |
| 9 | Singles WH1 | 2017 | Ulsan, KOR | |
| 9 | Singles WH1 | 2015 | Stoke Mandeville, GBR | |
| 9 | Doubles WH1-WH2 | 2015 | Stoke Mandeville, GBR | |
| 9 | Doubles WH1-WH2 | 2015 | Stoke Mandeville, GBR | |
| 9 | Singles WH2 | 2007 | Bangkok, THA | |
| 17 | Doubles WH1-WH2 | 2017 | Ulsan, KOR | |
| European Championships | ||||
| 2 | Doubles WH1-WH2 | 2023 | Rotterdam, NED | |
| 3 | Singles WH1 | 2023 | Rotterdam, NED | |
