Shahla Behrouzirad wants to make history by winning Iran's first medal in para-canoe at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Shahla Behrouzirad wants to make history by winning Iran's first medal in para-canoe at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
The Para-canoeist won place at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games after finishing sixth in the KL2 200m final in the 2015 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in August.
It’s country's first ever Paralympic quota in para-canoe.
“I cannot promise winning the medal but can promise to do my best,” Behrouzirad told Paralympic.ir.
“I have two big events ahead of me. First, I will have to compete at the 2016 ICF Paracanoe World Championships, which will be held in Duisburg, Germany in May. It can be very important for me, since I am preparing for the Paralympics. The event also serve as Paralympic qualifier and two Iranian men para-canoeists will take part in the competition.
“For me as the first Iranian para-canoeist, who has qualified for the Paralympics, to win a medal in the World Championships can be inspirational. Personally, I want to win medal in Germany and I think it will be mentally good for me to prepare for the Rio Paralympics,” she added.
Needless to say, the Iranian women have improved in sports in the recent years. Zahra Nemati, has already secured a spot for next year's Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The para-archer is the first Iranian woman to win a gold medal at either a Paralympic or Olympic Games, at London 2012.
Behrouzirad is determined to shine in Rio.
“I’ve not won a medal over the last two years. Hopefully, I will win medal in the coming year. I did a great job to win a place for the Paralympics and I am glad to be the first Iranian who has advanced to the prestigious event. I know to win a medal is more difficult task than booking a spot at the Paralympics, but it’s my goal,” Behrouzirad concluded.