Iran reclaims major IOC seat after 21 years as Soraya Aghaei joins athletes’ commission

Iran has regained one of its most influential international sports posts after more than two decades, with Olympian Soraya Aghaei obtaining a key International Olympic Committee (IOC) role following sustained diplomacy by the country’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the backing of IOC President Christian Coventry.

In a statement, Iran’s NOC announced that the Islamic Republic regained a major international sports seat for the first time in 21 years, marking only the third time in more than a century of Olympic participation that an Iranian has held an IOC membership-level position.

The newly awarded seat goes to Soraya Aghaei, an Olympic badminton athlete celebrated for her discipline and as a symbol of Iranian women’s capabilities.

According to the NOC, the landmark achievement resulted from persistent diplomacy, targeted international outreach, and professional engagement aimed at restoring Iran’s rightful standing in global sport.

It also noted that last week, IOC President Christian Coventry appointed Aghaei to the IOC Athletes’ Commission, further elevating her international profile.

The Iranian NOC also thanked Coventry for his professional and fair support of Iranian athletes’ presence in international bodies, congratulated the country’s sports community, and said the appointment marked a significant step toward bolstering Iran’s role in global sports decision-making.

Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali also hailed Aghaei’s election to the IOC as a major honor for Iran, its sports community, and a clear testament to the growing capabilities and recognition of Iranian women athletes globally.

“One of the most important achievements of this membership is the demonstration of the capability, dignity, and strength of Iranian women athletes as representatives of Iranian women on the global stage; it shows that, through their merit and persistent efforts, our female athletes have introduced their true status and the standing of Iranian women to the world, serving as a brilliant example of the country’s cultural and sporting capabilities,” the minister noted.

Donyamali added that this historic achievement, restoring Iran’s influential position in the IOC after more than two decades, reflects Aghaei’s merit and dedication as well as the NOC’s strategic support.

He also congratulated Aghaei, Iran’s whole sports community, and the Iranian people, expressing hope that this success would mark a new chapter in sports diplomacy, expand international opportunities for Iranian women, and secure lasting honors for the country.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk