Iranian Kurdish athlete becomes world’s strongest Paralympian

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – On Wednesday, Siamand Rahman made history in Paralympic games by breaking the world record and lifting 310kg, winning the gold medal in the men’s over 107kg category.

The world’s strongest Paralympian, Rahman, who participated in Rio Paralympics from Iran, registered his name into the history books after clearing the bar at 310kg in the men’s over 107kg.

Rahman is a Kurdish athlete from the city of Oshnavieh (Shino) in Iranian Kurdistan (Rojhilat).

Last February, he lifted 296kg at a World Cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He was expected to score a new world record and break the 300kg barrier after years of training in developing his marks.

Rahman participated in London Paralympic in 2012 and won the gold medal after lifting 280kg. In 2014, he registered a new record which was 285kg at the world Championships in Dubai, and then 290kg at the Asian Para Games in Incheon, South Korea.

In Rio 2016, the 28-year-old Kurd once again showed that he is a champion after clearing the bar at 310kg.

“I feel very happy and proud for having broken the 300kg barrier and for being the strongest Paralympian in the world,” said Rahman. “I want to be an inspiration for all people with impairment who stay at home and don’t lead an active life, and especially for the youth."

Kovan Hasan was another Kurdish athlete from Duhok Province that participated in Rio Paralympic as a representative of Iraq. He won the gold medal in javelin throwing recording 42.85 meters.

Editing by Ava Homa