Tehran, Iran, December 15, 2025: The Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Mahdi Alinejad, has said the election of Soraya Aghaei to the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission marked the country’s return to the global sporting stage and reflected its commitment to advancing women athletes.
“Ms. Aghaei is not only a representative of Iran, but a representative of the IOC itself. We take pride in seeing a pioneering sportswoman at the forefront of Iran’s sports diplomacy,” Dr. Alinejad told local media in Tehran.
Soraya Aghaei was one of two Asian athletes who was elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission earlier this month in Lausanne, Switzerland – the other being Saudi Arabia’s Husein Alireza.
Aghaei competed at the Tokyo 2020 becoming the first female badminton player to represent Iran at the Olympics.
Secretary General Alinejad said Iran’s previous IOC position was held by Hashemi Taba who came through the NOC nomination pathway, unlike Aghaei who was elected.
“Those elected through the Athletes’ Commission have a different role. Athletes are at the core of the IOC under the Olympic Charter. The expectations of the IOC and the world’s athletes from her will be much greater than Iran’s. This two-way engagement will benefit both Iran and world sport.
“From now on, she is our leading representative in international sports diplomacy. The NOC will stand beside her and provide the guidance needed for her to fulfil her role,” Dr. Alinejad added.