Congratulatory messages have poured in from Iranian officials following the country’s under-23 freestyle wrestling team’s world championship victory in Las Vegas, United States, praising the young athletes for bringing pride and honor to the nation.
In a message on Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian congratulated the Iranian wrestlers on their world championship victory, saying the titles won by both the freestyle and Greco-Roman teams demonstrated the country’s great potential to achieve even “bigger” success in sports.
He described the freestyle team’s triumph as a testament to the ability, determination and merit of Iranian youth on the international stage.
He added that such consecutive victories showed that the country’s valuable human assets with their outstanding talents could achieve success “at the highest levels” of international competition through sustained effort, coaching expertise and adequate support.
The president also expressed hope that greater investment in sports infrastructure and stronger support for young talent would sustain Iran’s success and ensure the country’s flag continues to fly high at international events.
Triumph reflects national strength: Parliament speaker
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the under-23 freestyle wrestling team’s victory was not a mere sporting achievement but rather it was a manifestation of the strength of a nation whose sons can command the world’s respect in every field.
Qalibaf added that Iran’s successive wrestling victories were no coincidence but the result of a deeply rooted and honorable path.
“You raised Iran’s glorious flag on American soil under the circumstances that they dreamed of erasing your homeland’s name from the map and your valiant struggle forced them to respect that name and the sacred flag [of Iran],” the top parliamentarian emphasized.
Victory sign of young generation’s firm resolve: IRGC chief
Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Ahmad Vahidi also said in his message that the victory was a “clear response” to the country’s adversaries and a testament to the firm determination of its young generation.
He added that the Iranian wrestlers’ performance on US soil had once again proved that the country would maintain its strong standing in international arenas by relying on the talent, perseverance and determination of its youth.
“Winning the world title in freestyle wrestling at a time when the enemies of this nation seek to diminish Iran’s glory and the prominence of the sacred flag of the Islamic Republic is a clear sign of firm resolve, self-confidence, and the capabilities of the country’s young generation,” the IRGC chief reiterated.
He said such achievements were made possible by careful planning, effective management, the commitment of coaches and technical staff, and the support of the wider wrestling community.
Iran crowned a dominant campaign on Sunday by winning the freestyle team title at the 2026 U23 World Championships in Las Vegas, finishing ahead of Russia with four gold medals and nine podium finishes.
The Iranian team amassed 180 points to edge Russia, which scored 171, while the hosts, the United States, finished third with 104 points.
Iran’s triumph completed a double at the championships, following its earlier victory in the Greco-Roman team standings.
In a message on Monday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei said that, like the recent world title won by Iran’s under-23 Greco-Roman wrestling team, this achievement, accompanied by nine medals, was the result of careful planning, effective management and the tireless efforts of dedicated managers, committed coaches and the country’s strong and determined young athletes.
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