Iran’s Zahra Nemati went on to become the first female Paralympian to compete at the Olympic Games.

Nemati lost to DPR Korea Kang Un Ju 6-2 in the women’s recurve on Sunday in the 19th Asian Archery Championships and Asian Olympic Continental Qualification Tournaments 2015 underway in Bangkok, Thailand.

“I expected to earn the quota place. I am so tired but I want to stay in Bangkok to earn Paralympic quota as well. Today, is a historic day for my country. It was a big dream but I have a long way ahead of me. I am going to shine in the games,” Nemati said.

Nemati picked up the title in the individual recurve W1/W2 at 2012 London with a Paralympic record, and with it inspired an entire generation of not only Muslim women but people with impairments in her home country.

In 2013, Nemati held her form to claim her first individual world title as well as receiving the Sport Accord Spirit of Sport Award in the individual category, which recognizes the commitment and humanitarian spirit of athletes who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to using sport as a tool for positive social change.
The accolades did not stop there. In 2014, Nemati travelled to New York, USA, to address a United Nations conference, speaking about her journey and gaining equality for people with impairments through sport.