TEHRAN – Iran men’s goalball head coach Bahman Doosti Vala is optimistic about their chance of winning a medal in the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Iran have been drawn in Pool A along with hosts France, the U.S. and Brazil. Team Melli will start the campaign on Aug. 30 with a match against France.

Pool B consists of Egypt, Ukraine, Japan and China.

Iran will compete in the Games after 12 years since the team were absent in Rio and Tokyo Paralympics.

“As you know, we will play in the Paralympic Games after 12 years and are determined to make history in the competition. We are capable of winning a medal in Paris,” Doosti said in an exclusive interview with Tehran Times.

“There are eight participants in the Games and the top four teams will qualify for the semifinals. First, we want to be among them. Then, we can even advance to the final, why not?”

“The National Team held a training camp in Ankara and we played powerhouses Turkey four times and emerged victorious in all warm-up matches. We are well-prepared for the 2024 Paralympic Games,” he added.

Iran’s men’s blind football made history in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. Doosti believes that the blind football are their role model.

“We want to make splash in Paris and I trust my team. It will be a great honor for us to make our nation happy, that’s why we will be there. The blind football won a silver medal in Rio and we also want to qualify for the final,” Doosti concluded.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place from Aug. 28 Sept. 8 and will see more than 4,000 athletes from around the world competing in 549 medal events.