Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei have congratulated Iranian athletes on their brilliant performance at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, saying the success was achieved through self-reliance despite sanctions and wars imposed on the nation by the “global arrogance” front.
The two officials issued separate messages on Sunday after the country’s athletes won 52 medals, including 19 gold, 18 silver, and 15 bronze at the Games, which were held at Japan’s Aichi Prefecture and the city of Nagoya from September 19 to October 4.
Iran’s delegation, named “Minab Angels” — a tribute to the innocent victims of a deadly US-Israeli assault on an elementary school in the southern city of Minab on February 28 — finished in sixth place at the medals table.
Qalibaf described the success as a proud achievement and a living testament to Iranians’ determination and dedication on the international stage.
“This achievement is a reflection of the spirit of a vibrant and resilient nation that, despite mounting pressures and sanctions, raises the flag of its dignity through self-confidence and national determination,” he added.
“Every time the proud flag of the Islamic Republic was raised above those of its competitors, and the stirring melody of our national anthem resonated across the heart of Asia, millions of Iranians took pride in the accomplishments of their sons and daughters.”
The top parliamentarian also commended the historic achievements of Iranian female athletes at the sporting event.
He continued, “Iran’s dignified and capable daughters in Nagoya proved that the identity of the Iranian woman is a successful model of combining tradition, courage, and championship-level excellence on the world’s toughest stages—a model that, in practice, disproved the false narratives of those hostile to the country and demonstrated the capabilities of Muslim women.”
Additionally on Sunday, Ejei hailed the Iranian athletes’ achievements at the Asian Games as a sign of national self-confidence and evidence of the failure of the efforts by the aggressor enemy to undermine the nation’s resolve.
“At a time when the so-called global powers are using sanctions and war in a futile attempt to break the will of the Iranian nation, determined athletes of this land competed at the Asian stage in Nagoya, winning a remarkable haul of medals and raising the flag of Iran’s pride and honor high above the competition,” he said.
More than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries contesting 43 sports participated in the world’s second-largest multisport event in Japan.
The 19th Asian Games took place in Hangzhou, China, between September 23 and October 8, 2023. Iran finished seventh in the medal standing, winning 13 gold, 21 silver, and 20 bronze medals.
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