Sitting volleyball star Morteza Mehrzadselakjani, towering at 2.46 meters, delivered an outstanding performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, securing Iran’s eighth gold medal. The final showdown between Iran and Bosnia & Herzegovina was intense and showcased Morteza’s exceptional talent, helping Iran maintain its top standing in the sport.
Iran’s Epic Comeback Secures Victory
After a surprising first-set loss to Bosnia, who opened with a strong 25-22 score, Iran made a stunning comeback, winning the next three sets with scores of 30-28, 25-16, and 25-14. Morteza scored an impressive 27 points, proving crucial to Iran’s victory.
Unstoppable Force on the Court
With his unmatched height, Morteza is an overwhelming threat to any defense and the focal point of the Iranian team. His reach of 2.30 meters in serves and block at 1.96 meters make it extremely challenging for opponents. His presence on the court has become a “nightmare” for Bosnia and many other teams.
Strength in Teamwork and Talent
The Iranian team is further bolstered by skilled players such as Ramezan Salehihajikolaei and Meisam Ali Pour, forming a strong foundation for the squad. Ramezan’s precise sets allow Morteza to strike, while Meisam and the rest made significant contributions to this victory. Meisam emphasized the team’s complete effort and how well-deserved the gold medal truly is.
Inspiring Resilience Amid Personal Challenges
Despite numerous personal challenges, Morteza remains humble and determined. Born with acromegaly, causing his right leg to be 15 cm shorter, he uses a wheelchair or crutches. In Paris, he even had to sleep on the floor due to the bed’s length. His mental strength has made him an emblem of resilience in Paralympic sports.
A Journey from Discovery to Dominance
From a talent discovery in 2011 to Paralympic brilliance, Morteza’s journey is inspiring. After being spotted by a coach on television, he quickly became a core player for Iran. With Iran’s impressive achievements, they have now secured eight out of 12 total gold medals in sitting volleyball since it became a Paralympic sport in 1976.
