Tehran, Iran, February 21 2024: The President of the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa, has stated that hosting international sports competitions boosted peace and brotherhood among countries.
The Iranian NOC President made these remarks while hosting the President of the Asian Athletics Association, Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad, at the NOC Headquarters on the sidelines of the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2024 in Tehran last week.
Addressing the AAA President, the Iranian NOC head stated: “The purpose of hosting sports competitions, apart from the result and winning medals, is to increase peace and brotherhood; for this reason, we hope that, while increasing sports cooperation in athletics, you will provide good support to Iranian athletes.
“I hope athletes will leave Iran with good memories. I appreciate the National Federation for organising the event and I hope that the Asian Athletics Association will extend more support to Iran,” President Mahmoud added.
In reply, AAA President Dahlan Al Hamad said: “Iran has hosted various athletics events in the past and I believe that Iranian sport is an Asian and world power in many disciplines, and it has a good plan for the growth and development of athletics.
“We have a development plan from the grassroots level in many countries with the participation of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sports. We are ready to implement this project in Iran which we believe has great talent, and help your athletics grow even more,” he added.
Iran finished fourth in the overall medal standings at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships with a total of 17 medals. China topped the standings followed by Japan and Kazakhstan.