Iran’s gymnasts set to make history at Asian Games
Reza Kheirkhah, the head coach of Iran’s national artistic gymnastics team, has set his sights on securing medals in the upcoming Asian Games. With determination and confidence, Kheirkhah believes that the team has what it takes to improve their standing from the previous eighth place finish and even clinch the coveted gold medal in Hangzhou, China.
Originally scheduled for September 2022, the 19th Asian Games had to be postponed to 2023 due to COVID-19 concerns in China. The multi-sport event is now to be held from September 23 to October 8 2023.
With a thorough preparation plan in motion, the Iranian head coach highlights the team’s relentless efforts to achieve success at the Hangzhou Asian Games. The national team’s rigorous training camps have been conducted without interruption, aimed at honing their skills and readiness for the grand event, Kheirkhah says, according to IRNA.
The final camp has already commenced, and after a series of tests, ten members of the national team have been selected to represent Iran in Hangzhou. Despite facing setbacks in Iran’s Gymnastics Federation, the athletes showcased unwavering motivation during training, he points out.
Kheirkhah expresses great faith in the potential of the artistic gymnastics team, citing their track record in securing 16 medals across Asian, world, and international competitions.
The team is more than capable of returning home with a handful of medals, he says.
The team’s recent achievements speak volumes of their progress. Over the last seven months, the artistic gymnastics squad has proudly secured three valuable medals in international arenas.
Kheirkhah is optimistic that “history can be made” at the Asian Games, aiming for “two finalists and two medals” at the minimum.
“With the current team’s potential, these goals are well within reach.”
Having clinched medals among 72 countries in previous competitions, including Olympic qualifiers and Asian Championships, the Iranian artistic gymnastics team has undoubtedly showcased their prowess on the global stage. In light of their impressive achievements, Kheirkhah urges the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the National Olympic Committee to provide the necessary cooperation to Iran’s Gymnastics Federation, ensuring that the team is fully equipped to shine at the Hangzhou Asian Games.