Iranian swimmer Izadyar aiming for fitting farewell in Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Iranian para swimming sensation Shahin Izadyar said he will be aiming to add more glory to his decorated medal haul at next year’s Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games before calling time on his glorious career.
Izadyar stole all the headlines at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, by collecting six golds and a silver medal, before he bagged two more silvers and triple bronze medals at the multi-sport event five years later in Hangzhou, China.
“I have managed to win a total of 24 medals across four appearances at the Asian Para Games, and I will strive to increase my medal count in my fifth and final participation at the event before retiring,” Izadyar, 31, told ISNA.
The Iranian said he would still need to improve in certain disciplines before next year’s Games.
“I am intensively training for three events – the 100m breaststroke, as well as the 50m and 100m freestyle categories – with the goal of achieving success in Nagoya. I just want to retire from professional swimming on a high note by winning more medals there,” added the Iranian.
“I suffered a severe groin injury at the Paris Paralympics last year, which prevented me from achieving the result I had hoped for. This injury has weakened the muscles in my leg and has not yet fully healed. Nevertheless, I am continuing to swim under these circumstances, and my focus is on achieving the best possible result in my farewell at next year’s Games.”