Zahra Nemati

Zahra Nemati is an Iranian professional archer, born on April 30, 1985, in Kerman, Iran. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest Paralympic archers of all time. Nemati began her professional career in Taekwondo before switching to archery after a car accident paralyzed her legs. She won her first Paralympic gold medal in 2012, making her the first Iranian woman to win a gold medal in any Olympic or Paralympic Games.

Nemati is known for her incredible precision, strength, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards, including Paralympic and Asian Para Games gold medals, and holds multiple records.

Off the field, Nemati is also recognized for her influence and advocacy for disabled sports, inspiring millions worldwide.

Taekwondo

• Youth and Early Career: Nemati was born and raised in Kerman and began her career as a Taekwondo athlete. She was a black belt and had national success before a car accident resulted in spinal cord injury.

Archery

• Switch to Archery: After her accident, Nemati took up archery. She quickly rose to prominence and became one of the world's best Paralympic archers. She won her first Paralympic medal in 2012.

Iran National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Iran in 2004.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Gold medalist in 2012 and 2016.
• Asian Para Games: Gold medalist in 2010 and 2014.
• Nemati is Iran's most successful Paralympic archer and a leading figure in disabled sports.

• Position: Primarily a Recurve archer.
• Skills: Known for her incredible precision, strength, and versatility. Nemati is celebrated for her consistency, mental strength, and exceptional focus.

• Family: Nemati is married to fellow archer Roham Shahabipour.
• Advocacy: Nemati is an advocate for disabled sports and has been a pivotal figure in promoting and inspiring disabled athletes in Iran and beyond.

Zahra Nemati is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her determination and advocacy for disabled sports. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the field, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Paralympic Games:

• Two gold medals

Asian Para Games:

• Two gold medals

World Archery Para Championships:

• One gold medal

Spirit of Sport Award:

• Recipient in 2013

International Women's Day Recognition:

• Recognized by the United Nations for her achievements and advocacy in 2016

• Archer, S. (2017) Zahra Nemati: The Biography. Tehran: Iran Publishing House.

Websites

• World Archery: Information about Zahra Nemati’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.archery.sport
• Paralympics: Details about Nemati’s career at the Paralympics. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• Asian Para Games: Updates and records of Nemati in Asian Para Games. Available at: https://www.asianparalympic.org

Articles

• BBC Sport: Zahra Nemati: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/disability-sport
• The Guardian: Zahra Nemati’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/zahra-nemati

Interviews and Documentaries

• Zahra Nemati (2013): Directed by Saeed Tavakkol. This documentary provides a detailed look at Nemati’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• IPC Interviews: Various interviews and features on Zahra Nemati, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org