In a post on X on Sunday, Aref said the award reflects the capabilities and determination of Iranian women who have made history for the country.

“I also congratulate the athlete women of my country and all those who prepared the ground for this great achievement,” he added.

The National Paralympic Committee of Iran (NPC) was one of three organizations honored with the IPC’s 2025 International Women’s Day Recognition Awards.

The NPC received the accolade for “initiating leadership, impact, and effective change to promote and support equality and inclusion of women in sport.”

Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf also congratulated the NPC for receiving the recognition awards.

In a message on Sunday, Qalibaf described this “prideful achievement” as a testament to the capability, growth, and strong presence of Iranian women in various sports events, both individual and team-based.