WANA (August 12) – Iran debuted in the London Olympics in 1948 and has participated continuously since then. Iranian athletes have shown improvement in various disciplines over the years. Their outstanding efforts have brought pride to their country by registering Iran as one of the most successful Olympic nations.

 

As a potent force in international diplomacy, sports play a crucial role in enhancing cultural interactions and boosting countries’ global image.

 

So far, 752 Iranian athletes have participated in the Olympics across 25 different disciplines. Iran has succeeded in six disciplines: wrestling, weightlifting, taekwondo, shooting, karate, and athletics.

 

While wrestling and weightlifting have historically been strong areas for Iran, recent decades have seen advancements in taekwondo and karate.These developments reflect Iran’s commitment and investment in the progress of various sports.

 

The most prestigious Olympic disciplines until 2024 are as follows:

  • Wrestling: 47 medals
  • Weightlifting: 20 medals
  • Taekwondo: 6 medals

 

The best Olympics in Iran’s history: the 2012 Olympics, with 7 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze.

 

The proudest Iranian Olympic athletes are:

  •  Hadi Saei with 2 gold medals and 1 bronze
  • Hossein Rezazadeh with 2 gold medals
  • Gholamreza Takhti with 1 gold and 2 silver

The proudest Iranian Olympic athlete: Hadi Saei,Hossein Rezazadeh, Gholamreza Takhti/ WANA News Agency

They are among the most esteemed athletes in the Olympics. If Hassan Yazdani were to win gold in this year’s Olympics, he would become the most esteemed Iranian athlete in the Olympics. Yazdani wrestled with one hand due to a shoulder injury and won the silver. Hassan Yazdani is now the third most honored athlete in Iran’s Olympic history, next to Gholamreza Takhti.

 

Among women athletes, Nahid Kiani is the proudest Iranian sportswoman. She is the first Iranian woman to reach the finals and the only woman to win an Olympic silver medal. The participation of Iranian women in the Olympics has been increasing in recent years.

 

Despite their limitations and challenges, athletes like Nahid Kiani and Mobina Nematzadeh have demonstrated that with hard work and perseverance, they can succeed on the international stage. This trend reflects positive changes in Iranian society and indicates growing support for women’s sports.

 

The athletes from Iran have displayed impressive physical skills, a rich culture, and a proud history that inspires them to excel in international competitions. For instance, Gholamreza Takhti is revered not just for his athletic accomplishments but also for his exemplary morals and chivalrous character, making him a national hero.

 

READ MORE ABOUT THE TRADITIONAL SPORTS OF ANCIENT IRAN AND WHY IRAN IS SUCCESSFUL IN WRESTLING AND WEIGHT LIFTING

 

In ancient Iran, sports played an important role in the social and cultural life of the people. Since ancient times, Iranians have turned to sports that strengthen their bodies and cultivate a heroic spirit and morals. Two of the most important sports were zorkhaneh and wrestling.

 

Zorkhane sportSocial /media / WANA News Agency

 

Zorkhane, one of the oldest sports institutions in Iran, was the training center for warriors and young men. In addition to teaching martial arts, it emphasized moral and spiritual values. The sports performed in Zorkhaneh were a combination of physical exercises and rituals accompanied by playing traditional music and epic poems.

 

Zorkhane sports encompassed a series of strength and flexibility exercises to prepare fighters for combat and defend the homeland. These exercises included Milgiri (exercise with heavy sticks), Kabadekeshi (exercise with a bow), Sang Giri (exercise with large stones), and spinning, all performed with a specific rhythm.

 

 

Traditional wrestling is one of Iran’s most significant and cherished traditional sports, with roots dating back to ancient times. This style of wrestling, showcased in Zorkhanehs, symbolized strength, courage, and chivalry. Wrestlers aimed to demonstrate not only their physical prowess but also their moral virtues, adhering to ethical principles and showing respect for their opponents.

 

Traditional sports like zorkhaneh and wrestling have greatly influenced modern sports such as freestyle wrestling and weightlifting in Iran and remain popular due to the cultural and moral values they promote. By preserving these traditions, Iranians have excelled internationally and benefited from their rich sports history.

Wresting /Social media / WANA News Agency