The APC has signed the MoU with the NPC of Iran ©APC

The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of the Islamic Republic of Iran, supporting its work to establish a health and sports injuries prevention centre in the country.

The creation of the facility will look to benefit the whole of Central Asia as well as Iranian Para-athletes.

It will focus on research and education within sports medicine, to help improve the health of athletes and prolong their careers.

Both parties must cooperate and support in developing in these areas within the region, according to the MoU.

"This is an important step forward for the development of Para-sport in the Central Asian region," said APC President Majid Rashed.

"Para-sport has lagged behind in the area of injury prevention and rehabilitation but as our athletes achieve more success and compete at ever higher levels, it is a vital area to focus on.

"I'm delighted that the Iranian NPC has taken the lead on establishing this centre and is committed to working collaboratively with the APC on this project and equally committed that the other Central Asian NPCs should also benefit.

"Working together, sharing expertise and knowledge is the best way forward for all our members and this is a fantastic example of this spirit of cooperation."

Iran is fourth on the all-time medal table in Asia at the Paralympics with 56 gold medals ©Getty Images
Iran is fourth on the all-time medal table in Asia at the Paralympics with 56 gold medals ©Getty Images

The MoU will require the APC and the NPC of Iran to hold seminars, webinars, camps and other athlete education.

All NPCs in Central Asia - Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - will have access to the facilities and, if successful, the idea will be rolled out to other sub-regions in Asia.

Both parties previously worked together on six webinars on which covered the epidemiology of sport injuries and injury prevention strategies.

"It paves the way to implement the development policies of the APC to reduce the sports injuries and prolong the athletic career of Para-athletes as one of the main goals," said NPC of Iran chief executive Mohammad Tabe.

"In light of establishing the centre for the region of Central Asia, it is possible to contribute to the promotion of the development policies of APC by engaging different departments of the Iran National Paralympic Academy including research and education, sports medicine, assessment and monitoring, and other scientific and research centres."