Executive Meeting of the National Paralympic Committee with Minister of Sports and Youth

Dr. Donyamali, Minister of Sports and Youth, emphasized that Paralympic gold medals hold no difference from Olympic gold and announced plans to allocate 20% of provincial budgets to Paralympic sports.

According to the Public Relations office of the Disabled Sports Federation and the official news site of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the executive board meeting of the National Paralympic Committee was held on August 19, 2025 (28 Mordad 1404) at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, with Dr. Donyamali in attendance.

Key Highlights:
Dr. Ghafour Kargari reported on the Asian Paralympic Committee General Assembly, highlighting Zahra Nemati’s selection as Asia’s Exemplary Official, Hadi Rezaei’s induction into the International Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame, and Sareh Javanmardi’s recognition as Para Pistol Queen.

Selgi, the technical director of the National Paralympic Committee, shared concerns and strategies for successful participation in the 2026 Para-Asian Games in Nagoya and the Los Angeles Paralympics.

Dr. Donyamali emphasized that the National Paralympic Committee, particularly Mr. Kargari, pursue meetings with the Industry Minister to secure sponsorship from key industries, prioritizing the Disabled Sports Federation and sports such as para-athletics and sitting volleyball.

He stressed the importance of para-athletics as more than 50% of Iran’s medals in Paralympic and Para-Asian events come from this sport. Ignoring it risks losing these successes, and focused attention will help sustain and improve medal counts.

The ministry aims to elevate the Para-Athletics Association into an independent federation, improving budget conditions and attracting more participants to Paralympic disciplines.

Highlighting the potential of female athletes, Dr. Donyamali noted that special work in women’s para-sports would accelerate medal achievements.

He advocated for a dedicated session with the Vice President for Science and Technology to explore the use of artificial intelligence in developing Paralympic sports.

Reinforcing parity between Olympic and Paralympic achievements, Dr. Donyamali said the public follows Paralympic athletes’ results with interest and that the struggle for medals by these athletes deserves recognition.

He stressed the importance of constructive self-criticism with respect for families and encouraged careful stewardship of existing resources and efforts at provincial levels.

The minister’s notable policy includes allocating 20% of provincial sports budgets to Paralympic sports, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to invest time and resources in this area.

Dr. Donyamali affirmed that the government places special importance on sports, especially Paralympic sports, aiming to provide resources that support recurring glory and achievements. He expressed confidence in the Iranian Paralympic sports community’s potential to achieve great successes.

Other news