The Deputy for Cultural Affairs and Development of Public Sports of the Ministry of Sports and Youth

The Deputy for Cultural Affairs and Development of Public Sports of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, at the meeting on sports community activism regarding the management of the effects and consequences of war on sports facilities and programs, described the sports community as the vanguard of the resistance front and pointed to the extent of enemy attacks on this domain due to its importance and influence.

The Deputy for Cultural Affairs and Development of Public Sports of the Ministry of Sports and Youth

According to the Public Relations Department of the Institute of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Hojjatoleslam wal-Muslimeen Dr. Mohammad Hossein Khankhani, Deputy for Cultural Affairs and Development of Public Sports of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, at the meeting on sports community activism regarding the management of the effects and consequences of war on sports facilities and programs, while offering condolences for the martyrdom of the martyred Leader of the Revolution, martyred commanders, compatriots, and Iranian athletes, stated: "The sports community has always proven itself to be the vanguard of the resistance front." He further stated that due to the breadth of the sports domain, this sector has always been a target of the enemy's attention and attacks in an attempt to disrupt its cohesive ranks.

Hojjatoleslam wal-Muslimeen Dr. Mohammad Hossein Khankhani added: "From the very first days of the enemy's attack, the sports community and the esteemed Minister, Dr. Donyamali, have intensified their activities for activism in this arena." Referring to the loss of a number of athletes in the recent war, he expressed pride that Iran's sports community is active and energetic and is coveted by the enemies, and therefore considers resistance its primary duty.

He also pointed to the role of athletes in the arena of championship and bringing honor to the country and said: "Our athletes, throughout the period following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, have been standard‑bearers in promoting unity, resistance, and sacrifice in international arenas."

The Deputy for Cultural Affairs and Development of Public Sports of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, referring to the current critical situation and enemy attacks, elaborated on the ministry's programs aimed at supporting staff and athletes as well as promoting the culture of resistance and sacrifice, and announced efforts to pursue legal action regarding war crimes against athletes.

The Deputy Minister of Sport further explained: "Given the savagery and brutality of the enemy, attacks on sports facilities and the martyrdom of athletes must be pursued internationally as a war crime." In this regard, he pointed to various activities aimed at uniting athletes and neutralizing the enemy's nefarious intentions, citing the example of the women's national football team, which, despite pressure from the US President, made the right decision and is on the verge of entering Iran.

At the end of his remarks, he referred to the constructive and extensive interactions between the Ministry of Sport and the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution over the past year, and stated that with the cooperation of this council and the keen interest of Professor Khosropanah, nearly thirty federations have been able to utilize the cultural and policy‑making capacities of this council in the effectiveness and development of sport, both in championship and cultural domains. He expressed hope that Iran's sports community would soon overcome this difficult period and once again achieve greater honors in international and world arenas, and that the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran would always be raised high.