Shahbakhsh to headline Iran’s boxing trio at Islamic Solidarity Games
History-making boxer Danial Shahbakhsh will spearhead the Iranian three-man squad at the upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games, the national governing body of the sport confirmed on Tuesday.
The sixth edition of the multi-sport event will kick off on November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Shahbakhsh claimed a first, and to date only, world medal – a lightweight bronze – for the country in 2021, but was not part of the Iranian squad at September’s World Championships in Liverpool.
The 25-year-old boxer had competing in various professional boxing events in Thailand in recent months before joining the national team training camp two weeks ago.
“From the outset, I never had any intention of parting ways with the national team. Our team went to the World Championships, and due to certain circumstances, I was not part of the roster. However, my primary goal from the start was to compete at the Islamic Solidarity Games. I believe our focus should now be on these Games. I know there is talk and speculation, but I prefer to focus more on the future and the upcoming competitions,” Shahbakhsh – also a 2021 Asian silver medalist – recently said.
On working with Iran head coach Homayoun Amiri, Shahbakhsh said, “I have worked with him before. He coached me to my World and Asian medals and was in my corner at the Olympic qualification event. I know his training methods well, and God willing, we can once again deliver brilliant results for Iranian boxing.”
Shahbakhsh will vie for glory in the 60kg weight class in Riyadh, with Ali Habibinejad and Mohammad Nourani competing in the 65kg and 80kg contests respectively.