Zahra Behrouz Azar, Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, during a meeting with the executive board of the National Paralympic Committee, expressed gratitude for the efforts of Paralympic champions and emphasized that the fourteenth government will spare no effort in supporting and promoting successful Paralympic role models.
She praised the multifaceted pride and hope these athletes bring to the nation and specifically addressed Sareh Javanmardi, calling her the world pistol queen and a proud role model for Iranian girls. Behrouz Azar highlighted that Javanmardi’s successes are the result of individual and collective effort, including the essential contributions of families, coaching staff, and mentors.
Invoking the social learning theory, Behrouz Azar stated that telling the stories of capable women increases self-confidence and resilience in society. She described Javanmardi as a shining example who balances motherhood, marriage, and global championship, embodying a third model of Muslim womanhood that is inspiring both in Iran and worldwide.
Behrouz Azar affirmed the government’s appreciation of the athletes’ and their families’ efforts and reiterated unwavering support for introducing and celebrating successful Paralympic models.
Ghafour Karegari, President of the National Paralympic Committee, thanked the Vice President for her attention to disabled athletes and noted that sports can be a social revival agent, reconnecting millions in the disabled and veteran communities to society. He estimated about six million disabled and veteran individuals in Iran, with only 200,000 sparsely active in sports but boasting impressive achievements, ranking second in Asia and among the top 12 globally.
Karegari mentioned Iran’s recognition by the International Paralympic Committee as the “Top Country in Developing Women’s Paralympic Sports” and as an “Excellence and Development Center for Paralympic Asia,” highlighting the achievements of women like Sareh Javanmardi and Zahra Nemati, who have won multiple Paralympic medals.
Javanmardi underscored the need for more support for disabled sports, expressing hope that with authorities’ efforts and government backing, the Paralympic movement will reach its rightful status in Iran and globally. She appreciated high-level officials’ support as not only motivating but reassuring for athletes.
