Dr. Habiba: Sport is the best solution to counter social discouragement

The President of the Student Affairs Organization stated that sport must be a priority for officials, especially in universities.

According to the Public Relations Office of , quoting the Student Affairs Organization, Dr. Habiba emphasized the importance of expanding sports activities in universities during a planning session for the 17th Cultural–Sports Olympiad for male students of universities and higher education institutions nationwide. He stated: “Sport not only guarantees the physical and mental health of young people but also serves as the best solution to confront social hopelessness.”

The Deputy Minister of Science and President of the Student Affairs Organization highlighted the special role of sport in promoting social vitality and optimism, saying: “In this new phase, expanding sports events is one of our main priorities. Through precise planning and effective support, we must create a cheerful and hopeful atmosphere among university students.”

Dr. Habiba continued by reflecting on lessons learned from recent events and the unity shown by the Iranian people, noting: “The recent war demonstrated that the Iranian nation stands united and cohesive against threats. We must draw from this immense social capital and rely on the determination and solidarity of our youth to face challenges.”

He added that sport strengthens unity and national identity: “In sport, when we win, our nation’s flag is raised, and our national anthem resonates—it embodies pride and togetherness.”

Emphasizing the need for systematic planning in university sports, the President of the Student Affairs Organization said: “University presidents must design targeted programs that nurture students’ athletic potential. Our goal is to cultivate vibrant, lively, and energetic campuses that enhance youth morale and enthusiasm.”

Dr. Habiba described the 17th National Cultural–Sports Olympiad as a major opportunity to showcase youth capabilities, stating: “This Olympiad, held biennially, will take place this year in one of Iran’s cultural and historical cities and can evolve into a social discourse at the city and provincial level.”

Public Engagement and Institutional Support: Keys to Success
The deputy minister invited all organizations to cooperate in hosting this major event, saying: “The governor’s office, municipality, and the provincial Department of Youth and Sports must collaborate fully to ensure an exemplary Olympiad. With effective public promotion and engagement, this event can become a festival of national participation.”

He also stressed the importance of attracting financial sponsors and utilizing the province’s economic potential, adding: “By leveraging industrial and economic capacities, we can create revenue opportunities for university sports—just as in the United States, where college sports generate $19 billion annually, nearly twice the revenue of the English Premier League.”

Creativity, Sustainability, and Foresight
Highlighting creativity as essential to the event’s success, Dr. Habiba said: “In the 2026 Olympiad, we can organize cultural competitions—such as poetry, film, and short stories related to sports—to inspire greater motivation and enthusiasm among students. This event is an opportunity to open new pathways in university sports through innovative ideas.”

He concluded: “From the first Olympiad to today, these events have consistently advanced, and with collective collaboration and institutional synergy, we can turn this year’s Olympiad into a milestone in the history of university sports in Iran.”