President Ahmadinejad made the remarks in a meeting with disabled and war veteran athletes who are to attend the First Asian Para Games 2010 at Guangzhou, China.



Sports have roots in vigilance, arts and capabilities of nations, said the Iranian President adding that an athlete is a real artist.



Sports demonstrate the will and self-confidence of nations, he underlined.



'Your undisputable success in sports has urged us to have more expectations from you on such international scenes,' he said.



He said: “You should prove that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not a mere country but a cultural hub with an explicit message.



The Islamic Republic of Iran is the pioneer of humanitarian culture, justice, piety and chastity in the world, said President Ahmadinejad.