Iranian para-athletics star Hajar Safarzadeh has set her sights on winning multiple gold medals at the 2026 Asian Para Games. The multi-sport event will take place in Nagoya, Japan, attracting top adaptive athletes from across Asia. Safarzadeh will represent Iran in the women’s 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter track events. Furthermore, she has designated the 400-meter event as her primary focus and main championship objective. Consequently, her ambitious campaign highlights Iran’s growing competitive presence in international women’s para-athletics.
The Iranian sprinter acknowledged several challenges during the national team’s rigorous training preparations. Specifically, training camps did not always provide fully suitable track facilities for high-level specialized workouts. However, Safarzadeh emphasized her ability to manage difficult training conditions and maintain complete focus. She reiterated that bringing joy to the Iranian people remains her ultimate personal and professional motivation. Therefore, the star athlete approaches the upcoming continental event with strong mental determination and physical readiness.
Safarzadeh seeks redemption in the 400-meter race following a disqualification at the previous continental games. Although she previously captured a gold medal in the 200-meter sprint, the 400-meter violation cost her another title. Subsequently, she worked closely with her coaching staff to refine her running technique and prevent future technical fouls. In addition, she views the 100-meter event as a valuable opportunity to challenge Asia’s elite sprinters. Overall, her preparation aims to maximize her speed and endurance across all three track events.
Beyond her individual medal ambitions, Safarzadeh welcomed the growing representation of women across various sports disciplines. Iran will field female athletes in multiple track and field categories, including sprinting, endurance running, and long jump. Safarzadeh expressed strong conviction that broader female participation at the elite level will inspire younger girls with disabilities to pursue athletics. Meanwhile, sports administrators view her leadership as important for expanding grassroots para-sports participation nationally. Ultimately, her performance in Japan could establish new athletic benchmarks while supporting more inclusive sports development.