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Iran’s Victory and Morteza Mehrzad Impact
Iran’s sitting volleyball team secured a place in the final of the Paralympics, defeating Egypt 3-1 in a gripping semi-final match. Leading the charge was Morteza Mehrzad, the world’s second-tallest man, standing at 8ft 1in. Born with gigantism and using a wheelchair due to a bike accident that stunted the growth of his right leg, Mehrzad’s presence on the court is nothing short of commanding. His powerful spikes and towering height make him a formidable force, and it was fitting that his decisive spike sealed Iran’s victory. Despite his reserved nature and discomfort with the attention his height brings, Mehrzad’s passion for the sport is evident, especially in critical moments like the fourth set, where he dominated the play and celebrated each point with determination.
Coach rezaei’s Influence and Morteza Mehrzad Rise
Iran’s coach, Hadi Rezaei, who is in his seventh Paralympic Games, has played a pivotal role in shaping Mehrzad’s journey. Rezaei discovered Mehrzad after seeing him on Iranian television and encouraged him to try sitting volleyball. At that time, Mehrzad was living in isolation, but Rezaei’s mentorship helped integrate him into society and develop his skills in the sport. Mehrzad quickly became a key player for the Iranian team, known for his ability to finish fast-paced, intricate plays as an outside hitter. Since joining the team at the Rio Games, he has won two gold medals and is now in pursuit of a third. Rezaei, mindful of preserving Mehrzad’s health, carefully rotated him in and out during the semi-final. However, Mehrzad’s height and skills have become vital components of Iran’s continued success.
Challenges and the Road to the Final
Beyond the court, Mehrzad faced challenges off the field, including accommodation issues at the Paralympic village in Paris. Initially, there was no bed large enough for him, forcing him to sleep on the floor. While a custom bed was provided for him in Tokyo, in Paris, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) initially offered only bed extensions, which proved insufficient. After media attention and public inquiries, including from BBC’s Newsround, the IPC resolved the issue by providing Mehrzad with a proper bed. Coach Rezaei confirmed that the matter had been addressed, allowing Mehrzad to rest comfortably ahead of the final.
Iran is set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final, a team they previously defeated in the world championships. As Rezaei noted, the upcoming match will be a showcase of the abilities and resilience of disabled athletes worldwide. For Rezaei and Mehrzad, reaching the final is already a significant achievement, and they hope to bring home another gold, further solidifying Iran’s dominance in sitting volleyball.
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