Copy in clipboard...
National wrestling museum opens in Tehran
The museum, named after martyr Gholamreza Kianpour, preserves medals, uniforms, and memorabilia of 127 Iranian wrestlers from global competitions and Olympic tournaments. It aims to enshrine wrestling not only as a sport but as a vital element of Iran’s cultural heritage, IRNA reported.
Speaking at the opening, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Reza Salahi-Amiri lauded wrestling as “the pride of Iranian sport,” asserting that the discipline has fostered national identity, joy, and social unity for over a century.
Salahi-Amiri highlighted the role of Alireza Dabir, Olympic and world champion turned federation president, as a model of effective leadership capable of elevating Iran’s sporting and cultural stature internationally.
He also emphasized Takhti’s enduring legacy, noting that wrestling transcends medals and tournaments to leave lasting imprints in the hearts of the people. “Only a few champions remain immortal in our collective memory, and Takhti is among them,” he said. The minister announced that all museum artifacts will soon be registered in Iran’s comprehensive national property system, with plans to elevate the museum to national, and eventually international, status within a month.
A new publication, ‘Wrestling in the Shahnameh,’ was also unveiled, linking the sport to Persian literary heritage and reinforcing its cultural significance.
Salahi-Amiri concluded by affirming government recognition of wrestling’s social impact, describing it as a source of national pride and a legacy to be transmitted to students, youth, and future generations.