TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s sitting volleyball captain Davoud Alilpourian remains realistic that the Paris 2024 could be his last Paralympics Games.

Alilpourian,39, helped Team Melli win their eighth gold medal in Paris, where they came from a set down to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1.

“Actually, I am feeling at peace at the moment. I need to spend more time with my family. I am a member of Iran national team for about 22 years,” Alipourian told Tehran Times in an exclusive interview.

He is one of the Iranian volleyball legends in sitting volleyball. As a playmaker and driving force behind Iran’s symphony of success, his career spans seven Paralympic Games with an impressive tally of four gold medals (Beijing 0208, Rio 216, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024) and two silver medals (Athens 2004 and London 2012).

“I like to win more awards with the national team but I must to consider my body’s conditions first. Then, the coach has the right to decide whether he wants to invite me or not. If I will be invited to the national team, I am happy to help Team Melli,” he added.

Iran sitting volleyball team were the favorites heading into Paris 2024, and they showed why on day nine of the Paralympic Games, winning their eighth Paralympic title with a 3-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“All people expect we win a gold medal but there is no guarantee in sport. As you see, Bosnia won the first set and almost won the second but we grabbed the medal. It was a difficult match since the all sitting volleyball teams have improved during the recent years. I am happy to make our nation happy,” Alipourian concluded.