Ruhollah Rostami, one of Iran's most decorated para-heavyweights, has been appointed as the country's flag bearer for the upcoming Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Rostami will be Iran's flag bearer at the Asian Para Games
This was announced by Ghafoor Kargari, President of the Iranian National Paralympic Committee. Rostami, a world champion in para-weightlifting, holds two gold medals from the Paralympic Games and numerous world championship titles in his distinguished sporting career.
The selection of Rostami adds extra significance to his participation in the Games, as he will lead the Iranian delegation at the opening ceremony. Iran will participate in the competitions with a sports delegation of 166 people, including 104 men and 62 women, across 15 sports.
Anou Jahangar, a nine-year-old student from Minab who became a para-athlete after being injured in a bombing at Shaireh Taebeh School, was also included in the delegation and appointed as its spiritual leader. The Iranian delegation will carry the slogan: 'In memory of the children of Hiroshima, Gaza, and Minab.'
The fifth Asian Para Games tournament will take place in Nagoya from October 18 to 24, bringing together athletes from across Asia for one of the continent's largest multi-sport events for people with disabilities.