Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Ahmad Vahidi has hailed Iranian athletes for their outstanding performance at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, saying the victory demonstrated national pride and brought bitterness and despair to the enemies. 

Vahidi congratulated Iran’s delegation for winning 19 gold, 18 silver and 15 bronze medals, describing the achievement as a reflection of the determination, courage and self-confidence of the Iranian nation.

The IRGC commander said the performance was particularly significant amid the “American-Zionist imposed war” against the Islamic Republic.

“This outstanding performance amid intense pressure and sanctions brought bitterness and despair to the enemy camp and highlighted the glory of national dignity and the Iranian people’s spirit of determination and strength,” Vahidi said.

The IRGC commander also congratulated Iranian women and girls on their performance at the Games, saying it “demonstrated the growing capabilities and standing of Iranian women.”

Iran’s delegation was named the “Minab Angels” in tribute to the victims of a deadly US-Israeli attack on an elementary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28, which killed 168 people, including at least 123 children, on the very first day of the joint military aggression.

Parliament speaker, Judiciary chief felicitate Iranian athletes over Asian Games achievements

Qalibaf and Mohseni Ejei congratulate Iranian athletes on their brilliant performance at the 20th Asian Games in Japan.

In a separate message, Vahidi congratulated Iran’s national astronomy and astrophysics Olympiad team on securing the world championship title for the third consecutive year at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2026) in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The students won five gold medals at the prestigious international competition, which brought together more than 320 participants from over 66 countries around the world.

Vahidi said the achievement was another demonstration of “the capabilities, perseverance and talent of Iranian youth on the international scientific stage.”

Iran, Vahidi said, continues its path of progress by relying on its skilled and committed human resources.

The latest achievement was one of a series of strong international results for Iran in recent years.