Tehran, Jan 3, IRNA - The IPC powerlifting world record-holder in the +107kg category, Siamand Rahman, who also handed Iran the glittering golds in 2010 Asian Para Games and 2012 Paralympic Games, is determined to set a new bench press mark.Rahman is prepping for the world event in Kazakhstan the qualifying meet for 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, according to Saturday's edition of 'Iran Daily'.
In an exclusive interview with the English-language paper Rahman talked about his physical conditions, opponents and future plans.
Responding to a question by the daily on the progress of his training program, Rahman said that he resumed training in Tehran two weeks ago to get ready for Iran qualifiers slated for late winter and ahead of world meet in Kazakhstan. The national side is scheduled to hold a camp in March or April.
Elsewhere Rahman also told the daily about his many achievements and titles won by him, adding that he snatched the gold at the US world championships in 2008 and another three more in 2010 two world titles in Libya and Malaysia and one Asian gold in Guangzhou, China. In 2011, he said, he finished as runner-up in Jordans International Open. Three more golds came as he stood top in 2012 London Paralympic Games, 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, and 2014 world championships in Dubai, the UAE.
In 2008 US competitions, he improved the worlds junior mark and set new juniors and mens records in 2010 Guangzhou. Since then, he has been unrivaled in international events, he told the paper in response to their question.
On who is his archrival, he told the paper, the worlds top heavyweight powerlifters are from Iran. In the 2014 world contests in Dubai, he said, he lifted 292kg and his 33-year-old teammate Mansour Pirmirzaei registered a 260kg mark.
On when he plans to call it quits, he said that it is too difficult to make a firm decision about the future because an injury could end your professional career. For now, my focus is on Rio.
On his ultimate goal and whether he believes he will shatter his record in Rio, Rahman told the paper that he is yearning for another Para Games. In London, he plans to lift 301kg but it was not accepted. He handled 310kg in the gym.
On being questioned as to why he didnt do that in Incheon, he said, media coverage was poor and his coach suggested that it would be better to let it happen in a greater event. He said he wished he would register it in Guinness World Records.
On what is behind his successes, he said: 'God-given talent, motivation and tough training play effective roles. My first record was 120kg and it was intensive training that helped me.'
By IRNA
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