The Sports Diplomacy Working Group of the Veterans and Disabled Sports Federation convened with its members to discuss international relations and sports diplomacy development.
Dr. Koohpayezadeh, Federation President, emphasized the importance of expanding international relations and creating a practical annual program to develop veterans and disabled sports at the global level. He noted that successful collaboration with the Asian Paralympic Committee enabled holding five educational webinars related to disability sports and that similar programs could be organized focusing on elite sports development.
He highlighted that sports such as sitting volleyball and para-athletics rank among the world and Asia’s top powers. Through strategic planning, Iran can promote the technical knowledge of its coaches and referees globally. Dr. Koohpayezadeh stressed that many African countries have yet to develop disability sports extensively, and Iran, with support from international bodies and cooperation with the National Paralympic Committee, could hold training courses or camps there—effectively exporting Iran’s technical expertise and contributing to professional sports development in Asia and Africa.
Dr. Limochi added the importance of supporting individuals with strong experience and resumes to secure international seats. He mentioned the upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games and the Para-Asian Youth Games in the UAE, noting the Asian Paralympic Committee will hold a one-week training camp and classification event before the youth games. He urged the National Paralympic Committee and Federation to capitalize on this opportunity. He also lamented visa issues that prevented Iran’s representative, Sadegh Beigdeli, from attending the International Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council meeting, stressing efforts must be made for Iranian representatives to attend such key events.
Hadi Rezaei, head coach of the national sitting volleyball team, proposed forming a working group to select and recommend qualified candidates for international positions by evaluating their technical knowledge, experience, and other qualities—maximizing Iran’s chances of gaining international seats.
Other members emphasized the importance of holding joint camps and training sessions with other countries to advance veterans and disabled sports and strengthen international connections through sports diplomacy.
