TEHRAN - The head coach of Iran’s men’s national sitting volleyball team stated that despite a complete lack of international warm-up matches over the past year, the team is fully determined to reach the finals at the World Championships in Hangzhou, China, to lock in an early qualification spot for the Los Angeles Paralympics.
 Speaking on the competitive landscape ahead of the tournament, head coach Hadi Rezaei emphasized the high-caliber nature of the upcoming event. “The World Championships are naturally at an elite level because the top two teams secure their direct path to the Los Angeles Paralympics,” Rezaei explained. “The world’s premier powerhouses, including Egypt, Brazil, Bosnia, Germany, and Kazakhstan, will be our primary rivals in this tournament.”
Rezaei candidly addressed the preparation hurdles the team faced leading up to the competition. “While it is true that we have not had any quality international friendly or warm-up matches over the past year, our national athletes have pushed through highly intensive and productive training camps. We possess the necessary readiness to advance to the finals and secure that Paralympic spot.”
The head coach pointed out a major bureaucratic setback that shifted the sport’s global standings. “For over 35 years, Iran proudly held the undisputed world number-one ranking. However, due to recent administrative failures that resulted in our non-attendance at certain World and Asian championship tournaments, that top spot was officially handed over to Egypt. Now, our absolute priority is to capture the championship title and win the Los Angeles Paralympic quota.”
When asked whether standing on the highest podium in Hangzhou would instantly restore Iran to its historic pole position in the world rankings, Rezaei clarified the technical point system. “This tournament awards 1,000 ranking points. Due to our accumulated absence, even if we win the gold medal, we cannot immediately reclaim the world number-one spot—unless Egypt finishes third or lower in the final standings.”