Iran’s national deaf athletics team delivered an impressive performance at the Asian Championships held in Penang, Malaysia, securing 12 medals and finishing as runners-up overall. The team claimed five gold, three silver, and four bronze medals in a competition that showcased the talent and determination of the country’s deaf athletes.
Masoud Farahani, president of the Iran Deaf Sports Federation, praised the team’s achievements, emphasizing the significance of the results beyond the medals won. He credited the athletes’ hard work, discipline, and perseverance, asserting that hearing impairment does not limit ability or potential when opportunities and support are provided. He highlighted that the success serves as a source of inspiration for social inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities across Iran.
The women’s contingent included two athletes originally entered in the 5,000m and 10,000m races—Sima Abdollahi and Zahra Chehreh Alam—and one competitor in the discus throw, Elaheh Golmohammadi. Golmohammadi secured a gold medal in discus, but Abdollahi and Alam faced a setback when the women’s long-distance track events were canceled due to insufficient entries, forcing them to compete in non-specialist disciplines where they did not medal.
Farahani expressed satisfaction with the unexpected overall placement, noting that prior expectations had been to finish between third and fourth place. Despite competing only in athletics among various sports contested at the championships, Iran earned the highest total medal count and achieved its best possible outcome with limited resources and investment.
The federation president also acknowledged the logistical and financial challenges involved in sending the delegation amid recent turmoil in Iran, including the impact of the country’s involvement in conflict and currency fluctuations. Nonetheless, the team successfully participated and returned with a strong performance, underscoring the depth of talent among Iran’s deaf athletes on the continental stage.