Deaf Sports Federation Head: 'We Won the Best Result in Asia at the Lowest Cost'

The head of the Deaf Sports Federation expressed satisfaction with the performance of the deaf athletics team at the Asian Championships.

According to Sports Se report and quoted by the Federation of Deaf Sports, the head of the federation, Masoud Farahani, regarding his evaluation of the performance of Iran's national deaf athletics team in the Asian Championships, said: First of all, I would like to congratulate the great nation of Iran, the deaf community of the country, the champion athletes, their hardworking families and hardworking coaches for this valuable success. Iran's national deaf athletics team won 12 medals, including five gold, three silver and four bronze, in the Asian Championship in Penang, Malaysia, and won the title of runner-up in the Asian Championship. This result shows the high capacity of Iranian deaf athletes and their ability to compete with the best of the Asian continent.

He continued: The message of this success is clear; Hearing limitation never means limitation of ability, talent and will. Our heroes showed with effort, discipline, self-belief and perseverance that if deaf athletes are given a fair opportunity and suitable facilities, they can raise the proud flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran in international arenas. These medals are not just sports honor; Rather, they are a messenger of hope, self-confidence and social participation for millions of people with disabilities and their families.

Farahani answered the question, "Why was there not as many medals in the women's division as in the men's team?" He said: In the women's section, we had two athletes in the 10 and 5,000 meters and one athlete in the discus throw. Fortunately, our discus thrower Ms. Elaha Golmohammadi was able to win the gold medal, but our other two athletes competed in their non-specialized disciplines. Unfortunately, before the start of the competition, due to the fact that the number of participants in the women's 5 and 10,000 meters did not reach the limit, these two parts of the competition were not held, and Sima Abdullahi and Zahra Shireh Alam competed in their non-specialized events and failed to win a medal.

The head of the Deaf Sports Federation in response to what factors were influential in obtaining this result? He said: This success is the result of a series of efforts; From the will and preparation of the heroes to the efforts of the coaches, technical staff, families and executive agents of the federation. I must emphasize that no international success is the result of the efforts of one person or a group alone. Our duty in the federation is to continue the path of success of these heroes by scientific planning, identifying talents, supporting athletes and creating equal opportunities in the provinces.

Farahani, in response to the question, "Did you predict the runner-up of the national athletics team in Asia with 12 medals?" He said: I did not predict this rank and I thought it was between the third and fourth ranks. These competitions were held in several disciplines, and we competed only in athletics, and by the way, we also became runners-up. We got the most medals and the best result with the lowest cost. Considering the conditions prevailing in the country and the fact that our country has been involved in war in recent months, as well as the fluctuations of the currency market, the team was dispatched with great effort and fortunately, the best result was achieved.

He said about the Federation's plan for the future: We are not looking at winning a few medals in one competition. Our goal is to create a stable path for talent search, nurturing champions, improving the knowledge of coaches and having a stronger presence in Asian and global competitions. We must use the capacity of the provinces more, improve training facilities and provide conditions so that talented deaf athletes have the opportunity to progress, regardless of where they live and the economic conditions of their families. It is also necessary to strengthen specialized, medical, nutritional support and regular camps to continue these results.

Regarding expectations from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Farahani noted: I appreciate the Ministry of Sports and Youth, especially Ahmed Dunyamali, the Minister of Sports and Youth, for his support and attention to the sports of the deaf. At the same time, we expect that the international successes of deaf athletes will be accompanied by appropriate and sustainable support. Winning the championship in Asia is the result of months of training and effort; Therefore, financial support, standard equipment, preparation camps and provision of dispatch needs should be appropriate to the goals of the championship. Our demand is clear; We should not allow the lack of facilities to prevent the development of valuable talents of deaf athletes. These heroes deserve equal opportunities and effective support.

In the end, he said: I tell all our dear heroes that we are proud of you. You have shown with your effort and medal winning that determination, perseverance and faith in individual abilities can turn difficult paths into proud opportunities. I sincerely thank the patient and dedicated families of the athletes, coaches and all those who were with the national team on this path. As the head of the federation, I emphasize that our responsibility does not end with the end of the tournament; Rather, from today we have the duty to plan for greater successes. I hope that with the empathy, planning and serious support of the authorities, we will see the brilliance of Iran's deaf heroes in the Asian, world and Deaf Olympics arenas. Hoping for the pride of dear Iran.