Tehran, Iran, November 9, 2023: The National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Tehran Municipality jointly felicitated the country’s medallists at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on Monday, November 7.
The ceremony, which was held at the Milad Tower conference hall in the capital Tehran, was attended by Iran NOC Secretary General Dr. Seyed Manaf Hashemi, the Minister of Youth and Sports Kiyomars Hashemi, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani and presidents of national sports federations and other Municipality officials.
Addressing the medallists, Tehran Mayor Zakani said: “Today’s presence is a tribute to your diligence, greatness and will. This appreciation ceremony will provide role models and direction for our youth.”
NOC Secretary General Hashemi, expressing his gratitude to the Tehran Municipality for hosting the ceremony, said: “We saw at the opening and closing of the Asian Games that the real hosts of the Games were the Mayors, and the main burden was on the shoulders of the city administration.
“At the closing ceremony at the Hangzhou Asian Games, the OCA Flag was presented by the Hangzhou Mayor to the Mayors of Aichi and Nagoya and this shows the important position of municipalities in hosting important sports games and competition,” Hashemi added.
The Secretary General also pointed out that winning a medal at the Asian Games was the result of four years of hard work by athletes, the National Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Sports.
Medallists were given prizes at the end of the ceremony.
Iran finished seventh overall in the medal standings at the Hangzhou Asian Games winning a total of 54 medals comprising 13 gold, 21 silver and 20 bronze.