Koohpaye Zadeh: Universities, media, and research institutes must have an active presence in the field of sports for veterans and persons with disabilities

The President of the Federation of Sports for Persons with Disabilities emphasized the importance of scientific and practical synergy in developing disability sports during the specialized seminar “From Sacrifice to Glory.”

According to the Public Relations Office , Dr. Jalil Koohpaye Zadeh, President of the Federation, speaking at the seminar titled “From Sacrifice to Glory: The Path of Formation and Flourishing of the Paralympic Movement in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” highlighted the significance of National Paralympic Week and White Cane Safety Day, underscoring the crucial role of universities, media, and research institutions in the scientific and cultural development of disability sports.

He noted: “These occasions commemorate the efforts of a segment of society that has often received insufficient attention. We are speaking about a community that has not yet obtained its rightful share in many areas, and this issue deserves serious attention.”

Referring to official disability statistics, Dr. Kouhpaye Zadeh stated: “At least 11 percent of our population consists of persons with disabilities, and when including their families, a significant portion of society is connected to the subject of rehabilitation and empowerment. The rising average age and aging population make this challenge even more urgent.”

Emphasizing the necessity of sport for combating inactivity and promoting health, he added: “Unfortunately, the full potential of sport within both the disabled and general population remains underutilized. Expanding this area requires the combined initiatives of universities, research institutes, and sports organizations so that research outcomes become practical and impactful.”

Highlighting the interaction between academia and sport, he said: “It is impossible to address sports development solely from an academic standpoint without field experience. Researchers must be present at training grounds and venues to ensure that scientific projects are realistic and applicable. Universities can play an active role in designing training programs, physiological and biomechanical assessments, and psychological evaluations of athletes.”

Dr. Koohpaye Zadeh referenced a successful collaboration between the federation and the national para powerlifting team: “Within one year of joint cooperation between academic experts and the federation, the youth para powerlifting team earned 15 world medals. This experience demonstrates that the integration of science and experience leads to major achievements.”

He invited universities to actively participate in scientific and practical projects related to disability sport and proposed: “Each national team should partner with a university or research institute as its academic collaborator.”

The federation president also emphasized the importance of utilizing new technologies and artificial intelligence in disability sports, mentioning projects such as the Athlete Information System, the Home Training Platform, and APC TV. He stated: “Iran ranks among the top three Asian countries in Paralympic sports, and with structured scientific planning, we can enter the top ten nations in the world.”

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Koohpaye Zadeh called for the promotion of social responsibility and philanthropic engagement in disability sport: “Iran is in a strong position in the field of sports for veterans and persons with disabilities, but to progress further, we must act more scientifically, benefit from experiences, and bring universities and research centers into the heart of sporting activities. Wherever research and sport unite, success multiplies.”