WANA (Mar 09) – On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has recognized Iran as the world’s leading country in the development of Paralympic sports.

 

During the ceremony, Iran was selected as the top member of the IPC in the category of women’s sports development for 2025, standing out among other National Paralympic Committees.

 

This award is presented annually on International Women’s Day by the IPC in various categories.

 

In the membership category, the IPC honors leadership, impact, and significant changes made by one of its members—including National Paralympic Committees, international federations, international sports organizations for athletes with visual impairments, and regional organizations—in promoting and supporting gender equality and women’s participation in sports. This year, the award went to the National Paralympic Committee of Iran.

 

Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Iranian government, commented on this recognition in a post on her X account, stating:
“This is a great honor for the Iranian nation and a testament to the country’s firm commitment to supporting female athletes. This path will continue with strength.”

Zahra Rahimi receiving her medal from Jackie Chan in 2024 Paris Paralympics/Social media/Wana News Agency

Iranian women first participated in the Paralympic Games after the Islamic Revolution at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

 

At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the number of female Iranian athletes increased to 12 across five sports, winning a total of seven medals.

 

The presence of Iranian women in the Asian Para Games has also seen remarkable growth.

 

At the inaugural Asian Para Games in Guangzhou 2010, 34 female athletes from Iran secured 17 medals.

 

In the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games, 82 Iranian female athletes won an impressive total of 40 medals.

 

Currently, more than 20,000 female athletes, supported by the Iranian National Paralympic Committee, participate in grassroots sports.

 

Notable Iranian Paralympic athletes include Sareh Javanmardi, a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, and Zahra Nemati, a three-time Paralympic champion.