Tehran, Iran, April 9, 2023: Iran could field athletes in 30 sports at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September and October.
The Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyed Manaf Hashemi, disclosed this number at an Executive Board meeting held on Saturday, April 8 at the NOC Headquarters in Tehran, chaired by President Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa.
“The initial registration for the Hangzhou Asian Games is 30 sports and we have until June to make changes, either increase or decrease the squad. We have held more than 30 meetings with federations, but considering the heavy expenses we cannot send all as in previous years. We will continue to monitor the situation,” said Dr. Hashemi.
The Executive Board also reviewed the NOC’s representation on the Olympic Council of Asia and has proposed some new names to be included in OCA Committees at the General Assembly in Bangkok on July 8.
“We are trying to have 12 members as representatives in the Olympic Council of Asia. Some previous colleagues will be put forward again while some new individuals will also be suggested,” revealed the Iran NOC Secretary General.
Dr. Hashemi also divulged that a committee would be set up to look at hiring foreign coaches. “Of course, our preference is to use local coaches, but in some sports it is necessary to be on par with other countries and we will look at hiring foreign coaches.”