HANGZHOU, China – Iranian shot putter Rashid Masjedi claimed a gold medal in the 2022 Asian Para Games on Wednesday.

He came first with a throw of 8.73 meters in the Men's Shot Put-F53.

His compatriot Alireza Mokhtari won the silver with 8.59 meters.

 Syrian athlete Alaa Abdulsalam claimed the bronze with 7.87 meters.

A total of 128 male athletes represent Iran in 16 events and 82 female athletes compete in 11 events.

Iran finished in third place in the 2018 Asian Para Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Iran’s slogan in the 2022 Asian Para Games is “Faith, Iran, Honor” and the name of the delegation is “Children of Iran”.

Hangzhou 2022 takes place from Oct. 22 to 28. An estimated 3,000 athletes compete across 22 sports.