The Iran Sports Federation for the Disabled has confirmed a plan to form a women's powerlifting team ©IRISFD

Iran is set to form its first national women's Para powerlifting team once sport has returned to normal after the coronavirus pandemic.

Mojgan Nasiri, vice-president of the Iran Sports Federation for the Disabled, told the Tehran Times the aim was for the team to compete at international events after the Ministry of Sports and Youth confirms their dress code.

Nasiri said Iran could make its debut in Para powerlifting at this year's ASEAN Para Games in the Philippines, rescheduled for October after being postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak, with the ultimate target being competing at the Paralympic Games.

"With the aim of finding new talents in the sport, the domestic league was held with participation of 19 teams across the country last year," Nasiri said.

Powerlifting is Iran's second most successful sport at the Paralympic Games ©Getty Images
Powerlifting is Iran's second most successful sport at the Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

"We were due to form the national team in the current year but it was delayed due to coronavirus outbreak. 

"The team will be formed, when the situation becomes normal.

"We first want to participate at the Asian Para Games and our female powerlifters will compete at the Paralympic Games."

Powerlifting is Iran's second most successful sport at the Paralympics.

Twelve of Iran's 56 Paralympic gold medals have come in powerlifting, a figure which is second only to the 31 titles the country has secured in athletics at the Games.

Poupak Basami became the first Iranian women to participate at the Asian Weightlifting Championships and the International Weightlifting Federation World Championships in 2019.