By Emily Goddard

Amir Mandegarfard said his Iranian delegation is well prepared ahead of the 2013 Asian Youth Para GamesOctober 13 - Amir Mandegarfard, Iran's National Paralympic Committee general secretary, has said that his country's delegation is heading to the 2013 Asian Youth Para Games in Malaysia with the aim of securing more medals than ever before.

"The Iranian delegation will take part in the Asian Youth Para Games under the name of 'Ghadir'," Mandegarfard said.

"We will participate with 74 athletes in nine events, namely sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, table tennis, athletic, boccia, powerlifting, goalball, judo and swimming.

"We will be participating in the Games with the purpose of claiming more medals than the previous edition.

"Iran finished in the second place at the previous edition and we will try our best to keep our place in the upcoming event."

He added that the Asian Youth Para Games is also "a good opportunity to find our talents for the important events such as the 2014 Incheon Asian Games and the 2016 Paralympic Games".

Malaysia 2013, due to take place in Kuala Lumpur on October 26 until 30, is the third edition of the Asian Youth Para Games after Hong Kong 2003 and Tokyo 2009.

The continental event will feature 14 sports, compared to only five at Tokyo 2009, and is expected to attract more than 2,000 athletes from 41 nations and Iran will be joined by the likes of current champions Japan, South Korea and the 2009 third place finishers China.

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