TEHRAN – Iran’s National Paralympic Committee planted a sapling in memory of super heavyweight powerlifter Siamand Rahman on Monday.

Iran's chef de mission for the 2020 Paralympic Games Hadi Rezaei was in attendance.  

Rahman passed away at the age of 32 on March 1 due to a heart attack in his homeland Oshnavieh, West Azarbaijan Province.

He was laid to rest in Oshnavieh last week. 

“Siamand was known for his chivalry and sportsmanship and I think he is a role model for the other Iranian athletes. Siamand will be missed forever,” Rezaei said. 
The two-time gold medalist in London 2012 and Rio 2016 was preparing to win his third successive gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Rahman broke the 300kg barrier in the men´s over 107kg at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, lifting an unprecedented 310kg. The mark he set is the equivalent of three baby elephants.

The Iranian powerlifter had already won three gold medals in the last three Asian Para Games (2010 Guangzhou, 2014 Incheon and 2018 Jakarta).

“Siamand was a pioneer for his sport, an inspiration for many in his home country Iran and around the world, and a fantastic ambassador for the Paralympic Movement.  He was also a wonderful human being, a gentle giant and one of the friendliest people you could ever meet,” the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) President Andrew Parsons. 

“As the world’s strongest Paralympian, he made global headlines at Rio 2016 when he became the first Para athlete to lift over 300kg.  Few will forget that phenomenal performance which marked a landmark in the history of Paralympic sport.

“The thoughts and deepest condolences of the whole IPC, World Para Powerlifting and the Paralympic Movement are with Siamand’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.  Our prayers are also with our friends at the Iranian National Paralympic Committee.  Sadly, today we have lost a true Paralympic great,” he added.