HANGZHOU, China – It is no exaggeration to say that nobody predicted Iran would finish runners-up in the 2022 Asian Para Games.

The Iranian athletes won 44 gold medals, 46 silver medals and 41 bronze medals to finish second.

China won the title with 214 gold medals, 167 silvers and 140 bronzes.

Japan came third, winning 42 golds, 49 silvers and 59 bronzes.

A total of 128 male athletes represented Iran in 16 events and 82 female athletes competed in 11 events.

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

Irania para athletes showed determination in the Games and made history despite many obstavles they manged the best possible results.

The next edition will be held in Nagoya and Japan will do their best to return to second place. Without a doubt, China will most likely win the Games and Iran and Japan will have to compete for the second place.

Around 4,000 athletes and team officials from the APC’s 44 member nations are expected to attend and 18 Para sports will be on the program. The Games will take place in October 2026 following the Asian Games and will use the same venues and Village.

The Irania Para athletes must be supported from now on to shine in 2024 Paralympic Games and 2026 Asian Para Games.

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

Hangzhou 2022 took place from Oct. 22 to 28. About 3,000 athletes competed across 22 sports.