Para archery legend Zahra Nemati appointed as Iran’s head coach

Para archery legend Zahra Nemati is set to add a new chapter to her illustrious career as she has just been appointed the new head coach of Iran’s para archery team.

A three-time Paralympic Champion, the 39-year-old replaces coach Milad Vaziri, who has reportedly parted ways with the team after the Paris 2024 Games, where the Iranian team claimed two silver medals courtesy its compound woman Fatemeh Hemmati and compound mixed double (Hemmati and Hadi Nori), as well as Mohammad Reza Arab Ameri‘s bronze in the recurve men’s individual event.

Nemati’s appointment has come little over two months after she herself missed out those Paralympics in France – but still travelled to Paris as a  member of the International Paralympic Committee's athletes’ council – as and is expected to inspire next generation of para archers in Iran.

“I’ve always felt a deep connection to the sport and wanted to give back,” Nemati was quoted saying to Tehran Times. “The opportunity to mentor and guide the next generation of para archers was too good to pass up. I believe my experiences as an athlete can be invaluable to them.” 

Excited to start her new stint, Nemati has already chalked out goals for the team. 

“Our primary focus is on the 2026 Para Asian Games in Nagoya and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. I want to see our athletes not only compete but also shine on the global stage. We’ll be working hard to improve their technical skills, mental strength, and overall performance.”

With three back-to-back Paralympic gold medals in London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Nemati has made history becoming the first Iranian athlete to do so either at the Paralympic or Olympic Games.

Apart from these, her cabinet also shines bright with Paralympic medals in team events – a silver from Rio 2016 (months after she competed in the Rio 2016 Olympics) and a team bronze medal from London 2012, besides five gold medals from the Asian Para Games in Incheon 2014, Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2022. 

She is also a two-time World Archery Para Champion from Bangkok 2013 and Beijing 2017, and was recognised by the International Paralympic Committee with its next-generation leader award in 2021 for her campaigns on women’s rights and disabilities in sport. 

In all, with someone of Nemati’s stature at the helm of coaching, Iran’s para archery is set to see next innings of success.