Tokyo Paralympic gold medalist Hashemieh Motaghian stated that Iran’s receipt of the “Women’s Paralympic Sports Development” award invalidates all negative propaganda against Iranian women.
According to the PR Department of IRISFD and IRNA news agency, Iran was selected as the 2025 winner of this prestigious award by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) during its International Women’s Day celebrations.
Motaghian, gold medalist in javelin throw at Tokyo Paralympics, told IRNA: “This is a monumental achievement. I congratulate Iran’s sports community. It’s the result of years of strategic planning for Paralympic sports, especially women’s athletics.”
She emphasized: “Our country’s key strength in sports is implementing justice – a principle repeatedly stressed by the Supreme Leader. The Sports Ministry treats Olympic and Paralympic medals equally, with identical rewards, which greatly motivates athletes. Recently, podium finish bonuses were also equalized. Such policies have significantly boosted interest in Paralympic sports.”
The Paralympic record holder noted that Iranian Paralympians maintain dignity at all levels, with equal recognition for Olympic and Paralympic achievements even at provincial levels.
Addressing foreign propaganda, Motaghian stated: “Opposition media constantly portray Iranian women as restricted, but our champions prove no such limitations exist. This IPC award completely refutes such false narratives.”
Highlighting new generation successes, she said: “At the last Paralympics, only Sara Javanmardi won gold among our veteran champions. But in Paris, five new female athletes – Fatemeh Hamidi, Zahra Rahimi, Elham Salehi, Hajar Safarzadeh and Parastoo Habibi – proudly earned medals.”
“This demonstrates our sports authorities aren’t focused on just a few names or specific disciplines, but are developing talent across the board,” Motaghian concluded, underscoring Iran’s comprehensive approach to Paralympic development.
