President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran’s success at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan’s Nagoya reflects the athletes’ strong potential to inspire hope and strengthen national unity.

In a message on Sunday, Pezeshkian congratulated Iran’s sports delegation on its outstanding performance at the Nagoya Asian Games.

He said the 52 medals won by Iranian athletes at the Games were a “valuable manifestation of determination, hope and capability.”

“The success of Iranian athletes in the competitions, particularly under the current difficult circumstances, demonstrated the significant potential of sports to inspire hope, strengthen national solidarity and advance the country’s path of progress,” Pezeshkian added.

He described sports as more than a field of competition, saying it is also an arena for inspiring hope, promoting responsibility and strengthening national solidarity.

The president also praised the “brilliant, pride-inspiring and historic” performance of Iranian women athletes at the Games, who won three gold, seven silver and five bronze medals.

He emphasized that Iranian women athletes had once again shown that whenever opportunities for growth and meaningful participation are provided, they can achieve success and bring honor to the country at the “highest Asian and global levels.”

Pezeshkian congratulates Iran’s astronomy, astrophysics Olympiad team on world championship

In a separate message on Sunday, Pezeshkian congratulated Iran’s national astronomy and astrophysics Olympiad team on winning the world championship for the third consecutive year and securing five gold medals at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Vietnam.

He described the achievement as a source of joy and pride, noting that the Iranian students won five gold medals while competing against more than 320 students from 66 countries.

Pezeshkian stressed the importance of providing greater support for talented students and ensuring equal opportunities for their growth and development.

He said such support should enable the young talents not only to continue achieving success on the international stage, but also to put their knowledge and capabilities to work for the country’s scientific development and progress and for improving the lives of the Iranian people.