President Masoud Pezeshkian has congratulated Iran’s athletes on their performance at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, describing the national team’s 52-medal haul as a testament to the determination, hope and capabilities of the country’s younger generation
In his message on Sunday, President Pezeshkian said the success of Iranian athletes, particularly amid the country’s current difficulties and the consequences of imposed wars, demonstrated the important role of sport in fostering hope, strengthening national solidarity and contributing to the country’s broader progress.
He described sport as more than a field of competition, saying it can promote responsibility and social cohesion while inspiring young people to pursue achievement in other areas. President Pezeshkian stressed that Iran’s sporting potential should be further developed through sustainable planning, greater attention to young talent, stronger infrastructure and continued support for athletes.
The president also praised the performance of Iranian women athletes, who won three gold, seven silver and five bronze medals at the Games. He said their achievements represented the best performance in the history of Iranian women’s participation in the Asian Games and demonstrated that providing opportunities for growth and meaningful participation can enable women athletes to succeed at the highest Asian and international levels.
President Pezeshkian congratulated the athletes, medalists and their families, as well as coaches, technical staff and others involved in the national team’s campaign.
He said the achievements should serve as a source of encouragement for Iran’s younger generation and expressed hope that providing greater opportunities for young people would lead to further successes in international sporting competitions.
The Iranian delegation competed at the 2026 Asian Games under the title Minab Angels, a tribute to the schoolchildren killed in the attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab City on February 28, 2026.
President Pezeshkian said their overall performance reflected the potential of Iranian sport and called for sustained efforts to create the conditions necessary for that potential to flourish.