Javanmardidodmani aims to inspire others

“I think that I am right now in a very good position heading towards Incheon”

Iranian shooter Sareh Javanmardidodmani is hoping that further success at the Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games in South Korea between 18-24 October, will act as an inspiration for all women with impairments in Iran.

Javanmardidodmani made history at the 2014 IPC Shooting World Championships in Suhl, Germany, in July, by being the only Iranian woman to claim a gold medal.

She claimed the P2 (women’s 10m air pistol SH1) title, beating Hungary’s European bronze medallist Krisztina David.

And now the 29-year-old wants to inspire more women with victory in South Korea.

She said: “I think that me, a woman with a disability, can act as an example for other women with a disability in Iran, or even in other countries.

“I want to attract others and act as a motivation to others to achieve success. I can be an example to all other women with a disability, that disability is not a limitation and that they can remove any obstacles in their paths.”

The knock-on effect from Iranian women achieving success was first made apparent with archer Zahra Nemati, who, after becoming the first Iranian women ever to win a gold medal at the Olympic or Paralympic Games, is now world renowned and seen as an inspiration.

However, despite having similar aspirations to act as a role model through her success, Javanmardidodmani is not putting pressure on herself ahead of the Asian Para Games.

“I think that I am right now in a very good position heading towards Incheon,” she said.

“I will do my best to achieve satisfactory results and outcomes in those games for my country.”

Javanmardidodmani took up shooting in 2008 and got her first taste of international success at the London 2012 Paralympic Games where she won a bronze medal.

And two years later, at her first World Championships, she put in an incredible performance to claim the world title, helping Iran finish fifth in the medals table and claim their first quota place for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

This has quickly accelerated her to become the one to beat on the range, but the SH1 shooter remains humble, stating that is just a virtue to compete.

“It really was a great honour for me as a Muslim woman from a country like the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“It was the first time that I took part in a shooting World Championships and I was very pleased that I could get the gold medal and get the first place for my country at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.”

The Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games will take place between 18-24 October and will feature 603 medal events across 23 sports.