Blind soccer Iran declines participation in Tokyo Paralympics March 9 17:50
Four years ago, the Iranian national team of blind soccer who won the silver medal at the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games has declined to participate in the Tokyo Paralympic Games which will open in August. This is probably due to the worsening economic situation in the country.
Having won a silver medal in blind football at the last Rio de Janeiro tournament, Iran, ranked sixth in the world ranking, was second in the Asian Championship last year and decided to participate in the Tokyo Paralympics.
However, according to the Japan Blind Football Association, an international sports organization has announced that Iran has declined to participate in the Tokyo Paralympic Games and that Thailand will play instead.
According to stakeholders, Iran's withdrawal may have been due to a deterioration in the country's economic situation.
The Japanese nationals of blind soccer have already decided to participate in the Paralympic Games for the first time in the Tokyo Games in the host country frame.