Iran NPC, Tehran:
Throughout history, the Paralympic Games have served as
platforms for athletes to showcase their talent, dedication, and national pride
on the global stage. Among the many traditions that encapsulate the spirit of
these events, the role of the flag bearers stands out as a symbol of honor and
distinction.
Mohammadreza Mirshafiei and Hajar Safarzadeh
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Opening Ceremony
Iranian veteran para shooter Seyed Mohammadreza Mirshafiei alongside the runner Hajar Safarzadeh have been announced as the flag bearers at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Opening Ceremony on 28 August which will be held
for the first time outside the stadium through the iconic Avenue des
Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde.
Safarzadeh claimed a gold medal at the 2024 Kobe in the Women's
400m T12 and became Iran's first female athlete to hold a World title, as a runner. Mirshafiei also won P4 silver at Changwon 2023.
Learn more about the flag bearers for the Paralympic Games over the years (1988-2020).
Hasan Samavati
Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games, Opening Ceremony
Iran made its Paralympic debut at Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games.
The veteran Hasan Samavati, who lost his legs while serving in the
Iran-Iraq war, was chosen to be the flag bearer, leading Team Iran into the
Opening Ceremony, and proudly carrying the National flag in front of the world.
He claimed a bronze medal in the Men’s Discus Throw at the
Games.
Ali Kashfia
Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 Paralympics, Opening Ceremony
Sitting Volleyball player Ali Kashfia, who lost his legs while
serving in the Iran-Iraq war, was voted flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of
Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 Paralympics. Kashfia won two golds at both
events.
Morad Ali Shirani
Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, Opening Ceremony
The Iranian veteran and ex-wrestler Morad
Ali Shirani was selected the flag bearer for the opening Ceremony of the Sydney
2000 Paralympic Games.
Enayatollah Bokharaei
Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, Opening
Ceremony
The veteran Enayatollah Bokharaei, a three-time Paralympian was the first Iranian athlete to earn a gold in (air rifle) shooting
at Paralympics. He won two Paralympic titles at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.
At the Athens Games, Bokharaei was chosen
to be the flag bearer for Iran.
Mohammadreza Mirzaei
Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, Opening
Ceremony
The four-time Paralympic gold medalist Mohammadreza
Mirzaei was selected to carry the Iran flag in the Opening Ceremony before the
2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.
Abdolreza Jokar
London 2012 Paralympic Games, Opening
Ceremony
The veteran Javelin and Discus Thrower Abdolreza
Jokar, was voted flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of London 2012 Paralympics,
his fifth Games. Jokar won two golds, two silvers and three bronzes while on
Team Iran during 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Paralympics.
He capped off his athletic career by being
chosen as the flag bearer for the 1992 Paralympic Games in London.
Eshrat Kordestani
Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Opening Ceremony
Sitting Volleyball player Eshrat Kordestani
was the first Iran’s female athlete to be chosen as the flag bearer for the
country in a Paralympic Opening Ceremony.
She led Team Iran at the Athletes Parade of
Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Zahra Nemati and Nourmohammad Arekhi
Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Opening
Ceremony
Paralympic and Olympic archer Zahra Nemati,
competing in her third Paralympics, along with VI Athletics team member Nourmohammad
Arekhi were the Opening Ceremony flag bearers at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.