Iranian para-swimmer Shahine Izadjar, who is the most decorated Paralympic swimmer in the country's history, intends to add to his tally of 24 medals at the Asian Para Games to be held in Nagoya.
Currently, Izadjar is training in Mashhad as part of Iran's 15th preparatory camp for these games, which will last until September 29. The Nagoya Asian Para Games are scheduled to begin on October 19.
In an interview with Tehran Times, Izadjar stated that he is in good shape and focused on achieving strong results in Nagoya. He said: 'I am doing my best to achieve the best possible results within my capabilities. I am preparing well and hope to return home with good results.'
Izadjar achieved historical success at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, winning six gold and one silver medal. However, at the Hangzhou Games, he received two silver and three bronze medals.
This Iranian athlete emphasized that his performance in Hangzhou should not be viewed as a failure. He noted: 'Winning these medals was valuable in itself. If we consider this performance a failure, we should remember that Michael Phelps once won eight gold medals in a single Olympic Games. It was never expected that such a level of success would be repeated in every competition.'
Since competitions in para-swimming are often decided by fractions of a second, Izadjar understands that medals are not guaranteed. He added: 'You cannot predict winning a medal, especially in swimming where a difference of hundredths of a second can matter. Nevertheless, I will give everything I have to get on the podium.'
This experienced para-swimmer has one clear goal in Nagoya: to return home with more awards and make his record of 24 Asian Para Games medals even more difficult to reach.