In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
All praise is due to God, Lord of the Worlds, and may peace and greetings be upon our Master and our Prophet, Abul-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his untainted, pure, chosen Progeny, particularly the Remnant of God on earth.
I am very pleased to have the opportunity to meet once again with a number of this country's dearest children. Our dear young athletes are a source of pride. Truly and undoubtedly, they bring honor and glory to Iran.
We observed a special brilliance at the Olympic and Paralympic Games this year. Of course, it isn’t possible for me to keep up with all the details of what’s happening in sports and the news, but I am aware overall about the events that are taking place to the extent that I watch or listen when I have time. [Your performance] this year was truly outstanding. It was excellent. You brought great joy to our nation. You brought a feeling of pride to the Iranian nation. I sincerely thank all the medalists, all the athletes, all the coaches, all those who are involved from the Ministry of Sports and the Olympic Committee, and everyone else who is involved, [including] the heads of the federations. I would like to sincerely thank all of them. You have taken sports seriously, and that is how it should be. Sports should be taken seriously.
Sports shouldn’t be considered to be mere entertainment. It's a serious endeavor. The talk of Mr. Donyamali, the honorable Minister [of Sports and Youth], was very good and comprehensive today. He spoke about the various dimensions of the impact of sports. It has an impact on society, a psychological impact, an impact on diplomacy, and it is an important, fundamental element in public diplomacy. It has diverse effects, and it elevates the country overall. Therefore, the issue of sports must be taken seriously.
Well, some matters have been discussed, but I would like to mention a few more things. One point is that in international sports, it isn’t just about the physical strength and athletic skills that are highlighted in global sports arenas. The inner strength and confidence of the Iranian nation are also displayed to ill-wishers. This is very important.
The fact that this dear Iranian woman [Zahra Rahimi] dedicated her medal to the children of Gaza and Palestine bears significant meaning in the world. Or when they name the [sports] caravan “Khadim al-Reza,” this has great significance. The female athletes observing hijab and the fact that our athlete and champion refrains from shaking hands with a foreign [non-mahram] woman when he is about to receive his award are also very meaningful.
This shows self-confidence. It shows that Iranians value their identity and hold it in high regard — both their national identity and their religious, Islamic identity. This was quite evident and manifest this year and this was shown. They [also] showed the Palestinian flag. [For example], our athlete [Amir Ali Azarpira] comes with his friends and they hold the Palestinian flag and take selfies, as they’re called. These things are very valuable and very important.
I certainly don't pass by these things indifferently. I delve into each one and articulate its significance in my own thoughts and words to the people. So, one point is that you have also demonstrated a spiritual capacity and shown your identity in addition to your physical strength, athletic skills, and physical abilities in the field of sports. We should value and appreciate this. That is one point.
The next point to consider is what this Iranian identity is. This is important. “Distortion” is one of the common tools used in the world in the past, the present, and probably in the future. The facts about a nation are distorted, and the truth behind their beliefs and what is in their heart are reflected to the world in a different manner. What is the way to counter this? Well, suppose we write a book in response to those who are endeavoring to promote the idea that the religious feelings of Iranians have diminished. How many people will read that book? How many will see it? How many will understand it? But in front of the eyes of millions of people, perhaps hundreds of millions who are watching the Olympic Games, you reflect this truth and this identity [to the world] by kissing the Quran and by prostrating and thanking God.
The identity of the Iranian nation includes self-confidence and an aspiration for one’s country to achieve a national greatness. It encompasses a loyalty to religious beliefs, Islam, and the Ahl al-Bayt. [The display of] the sacred names of the Imams (pbut) and religious sanctities were noticeable in your presentations at the Olympics. This was the next point. So the second point was that you are defining the identity of the Iranian nation — both its religious identity and its political identity. Your support for Palestine is one of your important actions.
Another point is that our athletes have shown that when they are present in global sports arenas, they feel that they have a national and a transnational duty. This is very important. Your composed behavior, measured actions, and the rationality governing your movements show that our athletes sense they have an additional responsibility in the international arena. They have a national duty in addition to their ordinary duties. This is also a very valuable matter. In my opinion, what you, our dear athletes and champions, have demonstrated in this regard is very valuable.
Another point about athletes with physical challenges is that they instill hope in others. The young person who is in a wheelchair and is able to demonstrate a remarkable amount of physical strength in front of hundreds of millions of people inspires hope in others. Some people become discouraged when they are afflicted by a minor disability in their bodies. You inspire hope in them. This is a very valuable matter. This was another point. I would like to thank all these dear individuals.
Something else that was noticeable this year in the Olympic Games was the double standard of the countries that decide on issues concerning international sports. They truly demonstrated that dual, biased policies govern what they do. They ban a certain government or country from participating because it started a war somewhere. But with regard to the Zionist regime, which has killed thousands of children and over 41,000 people in less than a single year, they don’t ban it from the games. This is a double standard. They are being biased. This is what we’ve always been saying. Some people say that’s an exaggeration, but it isn’t an exaggeration. They say that “sports are apolitical,” yet they are the ones who exhibit and demonstrate the most politically biased behavior in sports. That was about this issue.
My advice to you athletes is to uphold this honor outside the sporting field as well. In other words, [when] you respect your religion, ethics, and the religious, moral, political, and social responsibilities that you proudly display to the world on the field, you should protect them outside the sporting field as well. You are role models. Young people look up to you, and your behavior can be an example for many. Strive to observe religious, political, ethical, and social norms outside the sports field in your everyday life, when you are walking in the street, or when you are working at your workplace. By doing so, God willing, you will receive an additional reward from Almighty God.
The government has a number of responsibilities, and fortunately the esteemed minister spoke about those responsibilities. I have also taken notes to express my thoughts on this as well. One matter is identifying talent. Some talent should be recognized during adolescence and in high school, and in some cases as early as elementary school. In this way, our children and youth who have talents in various sports can prepare themselves to excel in their chosen fields.
Another point is to pay special attention to medal-winning sports as well as sports in which we have historically and nationally excelled, such as wrestling. Now, I have previously referred specifically to Iranian sports, which the minister also mentioned, such as the traditional Zoorkhaneh sport.
If you can create a spot in international arenas, such as in the Asian Games and in the Olympics, for showing the Iranian Gaud [the space in the center of Zoorkhaneh that is lower than the surface and athletes exercise and perform in], for showing this Zoorkhaneh sport, it would be both gratifying and meaningful. It has a unique structure that is distinct from the typical framework that generally prevails in today's global sports, which often — though not exclusively — have Western origins. This sport has a different order, a different form, and a different governing system. Show this to the world. Chogan was also mentioned, which I have previously discussed.
Another point and recommendation I have for government officials is to not neglect athletes who suffer difficulties for their national or religious values. Our athletes refrain from competing with or playing against Zionists, and consequently, they suffer difficulties for doing this. We must not neglect these athletes. In my opinion, this is one of the important duties of sports officials.
Another recommendation I have pertains to the livelihood of athletes — just as our dear athlete, this young man [Aryan Salimi], mentioned here. The government needs to pay attention to their livelihood, employment, and sporting needs to the best of its ability. Well, the minister has made numerous promises. Hopefully, he will be able to take action on these promises in a timely manner.
Another point to consider is the importance of sports for everyone, and this mustn’t be neglected. Of course, I strongly believe in supporting professional and competitive sports, as I have stated many times. However, this shouldn’t cause us to neglect sports for the general population. Everyone should exercise, but this is currently not the case in our country. Many young people, a very large number of young people, don’t exercise. Young people, middle-aged people, and the elderly must all exercise. Everyone, according to their personal condition and ability, can engage in some form of exercise. Everyone should exercise. This [sports for everyone] can reduce many of the country's costs — not only physical costs such as health care, but also moral costs.
The final point, which I have previously emphasized and discussed, is supporting Iranian coaches. Today, Iranian coaches have been employed and are currently working in a number of countries. However, we tend to employ less Iranian coaches and seek foreign coaches instead. An Iranian coach is an Iranian. They’re more familiar with the situation that exists in our country.
I hope that, God willing, Almighty God will grant success to both you, the athletes and the honorable sports officials in various sectors so that you can carry out your work in the best possible way. Praise God, I am also pleased to see that sports are advancing [in our country], and by the grace of God, this progress should continue.
May God’s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
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