Paralympic medalist denounces strikes on Iran’s sports facilities
Iranian Paralympic silver medalist Zahra Rahimi condemned the attacks carried out by the United States and the Israeli regime against her country's sports venues and infrastructure, describing them as “a blatant violation of international law and a clear act of hostility toward defenseless people — especially the athletes, children, and youth of this nation.”
Rahimi, who at just 16 years old became Iran’s youngest medalist in Paralympic history by winning a taekwondo silver at Paris 2024, said, “The martyrdom of the innocent athletes and students in Minab has broken our hearts. They were the future assets of our country, and their loss has left a deep scar on the hearts of the Iranian people. The sporting community shares in the grief of their families.”
She continued, “The sports community stands firmly with the people and believes that defending the dignity and security of our country is Iran’s legitimate right. Today, more than ever, we need to preserve national unity, empathy, and solidarity.”
The national para-taekwondo team member concluded, “With a heart full of pain and sorrow, I extend my deepest condolences to the people of Iran, particularly to the bereaved families. I pray to Almighty God to grant patience and peace to the survivors and the highest rank in paradise to the dear martyrs.”
Several sports venues and facilities, including Tehran's iconic Azadi Indoor Hall, have been utterly demolished by the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in recent days.