Wushu veteran Mohammadseifi eyeing ‘fitting finale’ with Asian Games gold
Iranian wushu great Mohsen Mohammadseifi says he will draw on years of experience for a fitting tribute to his illustrious career with one last shot at Asian Games glory, should he secure a place at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in September.
Speaking to IRNA on Tuesday, the most decorated male athlete in Iranian wushu history said he is in peak physical condition ahead of the team’s final selection trials for the multi-sport event in Japan.
“I’m in decent form,” said the five-time world sanda champion, adding: “We took fitness tests a week ago, and I was excellent in terms of shape and body weight.”
Despite the training camp starting later than scheduled due to wartime circumstances in the country, the 36-year-old veteran welcomed the fact that preparations have finally begun.
“We have just finished the first phase of training, and on Friday we will take part in the first of three final selection bouts,” Mohammadseifi explained. The best-of-three selection process across various weight categories has been a routine for the Iranian Wushu Federation for years and, in the Iranian captain’s view, a fair approach.
Standing between Mohammadseifi and a 70kg spot in the Iranian men’s squad, however, is a fierce domestic rival in Erfan Moharrami, who won gold on his World Championships debut last year before claiming the top prize at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.
“Erfan is a truly worthy talent, and I’m sure he will have even more to offer in the coming years. I just hope whatever the outcome of the trials will be in the best interest of the national team,” said the three-time Asian Games gold medalist, who had to settle for silver in the previous edition in Hangzhou, China.
The squad heading to Japan will be relatively inexperienced, as Mohammadseifi and Shoja Panahi are the only members of the training camp with previous Asian Games experience, while the other eight have never competed at the event.
“The atmosphere of the Asian Games is different from world or continental championships. From the moment an athlete enters the Games Village, the environment and emotions can get the better of them,” he said. “The young athletes have a lot of work ahead in the coming months to reach the right mindset. I hope that with the efforts of the coaching staff – Ramin Movahednia, Akbar Mohammadzadeh, and Moein Taqavi – we will go to Nagoya as a cohesive and well-prepared team.”
Wushu has consistently been a source of success for Iranian sport at the Asian Games, yielding 29 medals, including nine golds, since Mohsen Ojaqi and Mohammad Aqaei won gold and silver, respectively, in Busan 2002. “This year, the Ministry of Sport has made gold medals a key objective, and we will try to achieve that,” he said.
Regarding his personal motivation, Mohammadseifi was emphatic. “In the fitness tests, everyone was surprised by my condition. I train hard to achieve my goal. If I succeed in the trials and make the final lineup, I will build on all my years in the sport for a fitting finale to my career,” he said. “This is my last Asian Games as an athlete, and I am eager to display the best version of myself.”