The 28-year-old Nemati broke a world record on her way to becoming Iran's first female athlete to win an Olympic or Paralympic gold medal at London 2012, and has inspired many in the country to take up Para-archery as a result of her success, it is claimed.

"This is great and proud honour for me and my country," she said after the award at the SportAccord International Convention here today.

"I am very glad as an Iranian woman that I am representing all Paralympians from all over the world in receiving this award.

"I hope I can be a deserved representative for the whole Paralympic Movement."

Nemati was a black-belt in taekwondo before she suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of an earthquake in 2004.

She took up archery following her injury, and made the national team just six months later after finishing third in the national championships against able-bodied archers, going on to win a medal in every championships she has competed in since.

Nemati received glowing praise from representatives of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the World Archery Federation (FITA) and the Iranian Paralympic Committee following the presentation of the award.

"On behalf of the whole Paralympic Movement I'd like to congratulate Zahra on winning this prestigious award." said IPC chief Xavier Gonzalez.

"To be Iran's first female gold medal winner is a historic achievement and I am delighted that her stunning performances in recent years, especially in London, have acted as an inspiration for many Iranian women to take up Para-archery."

Nemati became the first Iranian woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics or Paralympics at London 2012

FITA secretary general Tom Dielen said: "This award is the result of an elite performance showing that women, with or without a disability can excel in international sport.

"It shows the true integration of our sport into society."

President of the Iranian Paralympic Committee Mahmoud Khosravivafa also paid tribute to Nemati.

"It is a great honour for us that a Paralympian athlete is receiving this award today," he said.

"She represents all Paralympians from all over the world.

"I'd like to thank the IPC for their support in winning this award and am delighted that we can be here with Zahra to see her pick-up this accolade.

"The Iranian Paralympic Committee has done a lot for sport for all in recent years and I really believe the success of Zahra at London and here in St Petersburg will help accelerate this.

The Spirit of Sport Award was created by the SportAccord Council in 2002 to commend the commitment and humanitarian spirit of SportAccord members who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to using sport as a tool for positive social change.

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