Iran's Morteza Mehrzad Calls for Greater Recognition of Sitting Volleyball Team

Tehran, Iran Jul 27, 2026 ALN: Iran sitting volleyball star Morteza Mehrzad believes the national team deserves far greater recognition for their sustained success and has urged other sports to follow the winning blueprint established by the country's most decorated team.

Iran’s sitting volleyball team has become a beacon of excellence in the world of adaptive sports, showcasing not only skill but also resilience and determination. Their recent triumph at the Sitting Volleyball World Championship, where they claimed their ninth title, is a testament to their hard work and dedication. This victory not only reinforces Iran's dominance in the sport but also highlights the importance of recognition and support for athletes competing at the highest levels.

The team’s journey to success has been marked by numerous challenges, including the impact of political and economic circumstances that have affected sports in Iran. In the lead-up to the recent championship, Mehrzad noted that the team faced significant hurdles, particularly in terms of preparation. "After the Paris Paralympics, we didn't have the opportunity to play any warm-up matches due to the country's circumstances. We're delighted that we still managed to achieve such an outstanding result at the World Championship," Mehrzad told Tehran Times in an exclusive interview.

The significance of their victory extends beyond the trophy itself. Mehrzad emphasized that one of their primary objectives was to secure direct qualification for the Los Angeles Paralympic Games. Achieving this goal while winning the world title added an extra layer of accomplishment to their success. "No other team sport in Iran has enjoyed this level of sustained success," he remarked, underscoring the unique position of the sitting volleyball team within the broader context of Iranian sports.

Despite their impressive achievements, Mehrzad expressed concern over the lack of recognition and support for the sitting volleyball team. "Whenever we win a championship, we receive a few congratulatory messages from sports officials, and then everything is forgotten," he said. This sentiment is not uncommon among athletes in various sports, where the focus often shifts to more mainstream sports, leaving adaptive sports teams in the shadows. "If people expect this team to win titles consistently, then our accomplishments should be valued accordingly. In my opinion, this team deserves the very best, but unfortunately, most of the attention is directed toward other sports," he added.

The recent championship saw Iran face off against their long-time rivals, Bosnia and Herzegovina, reaffirming their status as the world's top sitting volleyball nation. The matches against Bosnia were particularly intense, as they have historically been the toughest opponents for Iran. "Bosnia and Herzegovina have always been our toughest opponents, but fortunately we managed to beat them on both occasions," Mehrzad recalled. The experience and strategy of the Iranian players and coaching staff played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. "Those matches were much more challenging than the others, but our players and coaching staff have plenty of experience against them and once again rose to the occasion. Still, our journey doesn't end here, and we have more important competitions ahead," he stated, indicating the team's forward-looking mentality.

As the team sets its sights on future competitions, including the upcoming 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Mehrzad has already begun to strategize for the next major milestone: the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. "We have two years to prepare for our next major goal, but first we want to win the gold medal at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya," he said. This preparation period is crucial, as it allows the team to refine their skills, enhance their teamwork, and build on the momentum of their recent successes.

The implications of Mehrzad's call for greater recognition extend beyond just the sitting volleyball team. As one of the most successful teams in Iran, their story serves as an inspiration for other sports teams in the country. Mehrzad hopes that other teams can learn from the successful path of Iran's sitting volleyball team and achieve great success as well. This could foster a more inclusive sports culture in Iran, where all athletes, regardless of their sport, receive the support and recognition they deserve.

The importance of adaptive sports in promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities for athletes with disabilities cannot be overstated. The success of the Iranian sitting volleyball team is not just about medals and titles; it is also about breaking down barriers and changing perceptions about disability in sports. By achieving excellence on the international stage, they challenge stereotypes and inspire a new generation of athletes, both with and without disabilities.

In conclusion, Morteza Mehrzad's call for greater recognition of the sitting volleyball team reflects a broader need for support and acknowledgment of all athletes in Iran. As the team continues to strive for excellence and prepare for future competitions, their story serves as a reminder of the power of sports to unite, inspire, and create change. The journey of the Iranian sitting volleyball team is far from over, and with continued dedication and support, they are poised to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.

The Iranian sitting volleyball team has not only made a mark in the realm of sports but has also become a symbol of hope and perseverance for many in the country. Their journey is a reflection of the broader social landscape in Iran, where sports can serve as a unifying force amidst various challenges. The athletes' commitment to their sport and their community resonates deeply, especially in a nation where sporting success is often intertwined with national pride.

Moreover, the team's achievements have the potential to influence policy decisions regarding the support and funding of adaptive sports programs. As Mehrzad and his teammates continue to excel, there is a growing expectation for sports authorities to invest more in infrastructure, training facilities, and resources for athletes with disabilities. This could lead to a ripple effect, encouraging more individuals with disabilities to participate in sports, thereby enriching the sporting culture in Iran.

Furthermore, as the team prepares for future competitions, their experiences can provide valuable lessons in resilience and teamwork that transcend the boundaries of sports. The dedication and hard work exhibited by the sitting volleyball team can inspire other sectors of society, including education and community development, to foster environments where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive.

In light of these factors, the call for greater recognition is not merely about accolades; it is about creating a sustainable framework for future generations of athletes. It is about ensuring that the next wave of athletes, whether in sitting volleyball or other adaptive sports, can benefit from the groundwork laid by current champions like Mehrzad and his teammates. The legacy they are building is one that emphasizes inclusion, support, and the celebration of diversity in all its forms.

As Iran's sitting volleyball team continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in adaptive sports, their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, community, and the transformative power of sport. Their story is not just about winning titles; it embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As they look to the future, the Iranian sitting volleyball team remains a source of inspiration for many, proving that with determination and support, anything is achievable.