Iran’s Mottaqian eyeing ISG gold, new javelin milestone in Riyadh
Tokyo Paralympic champion Hashemiyeh Mottaqian said her goal for the upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games is not only to win the javelin throw gold medal but also to set new record for the discipline.
Mottaqian will be one of the four Iranians – alongside Zeinab Moradi, Parastou Habibi, and Yassin Khosravi – vying for glory in para athletics at the multi-sport event in Riyadh.
When asked about her absence at September’s World Championships in India, the 39-year-old Iranian explained, “I suffered a serious injury after last year’s Paris Paralympics and my physiotherapy program lasted for six months to achieve a full recovery.
“If I had competed in the World Championships, I might have won a medal despite my injury, but my ultimate goal is always to claim the gold, which is why I decided to rest and take part at the Islamic Solidarity Games, not risking my shot at a gold medal,” the three-time world silver medalist told ISNA.
“The injury has completely healed, and I have no issues now. I have been training seriously for three months and gearing up for the Games in Riyadh,” Mottaqian added.
“I am striving to begin this new chapter by winning a gold medal and setting a new world record at the Islamic Solidarity Games. After that, I will focus on preparing for next year’s Asian Para Games in Nagoya, and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.”