Leader: Athletic Champions Symbolize National Abilities
Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, today stressed that athletic champions are the symbol of a nation’s energetic and agile abilities and because of this they boost the self-confidence and national aspirations of the country.
Addressing a gathering of elite athletes, champions and winners of world competitions in different sporting events, he called the athletes the heroes of Iran, and ambassadors of national identity, by lauding their firm resolve, faith, prudence, and commitment to the nation’s religious values, adding, “Sport champions set the trend for all people, especially the young talents, to march toward the summits.”
The Leader said that emerging as champion is not possible without efforts, resolute will and prudence, adding that the presence of athletes in the international event, while observing ethics, manly spirit and religious aspects, is a global propagation of egalitarian values and merits.
He added, “Presence of the Hijab-clad Iranian ladies and girls in the world of athletics is an extraordinary, very important and valuable act.”
Pointing to the numerous instances of threats, harassment and even murder of veiled Muslim women in Europe, Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated, “Under such circumstances, when a Muslim Iranian lady stands on the first rank with hijab and everybody lauds her performance, this is indeed a great job.”
The Leader stated, “My messages of gratitude for the global success of the athletes spring from a true and honest feeling that: the athletes who become champions are indeed serving their nation and country by conveying the message of resolve, will, steadfastness and faith of the Iranian nation to the world.”
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei referred to the refusal of Iranian athletes from any contests with athletes of the illegal Zionist entity, noting, “This measure is very important and it is a very valuable and critical effort to counter the usurper state of Israel.”
Calling as an undeniable fact the high abilities and talents of Iranian youth in various scientific, technological and research arenas, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said in another part of his speech, “The history of the Iranian nation is witness to this issue and the emergence of outstanding personalities like Ibn Sina, Zakariya Razi, Farabi, Sa’di and Hafez, all of which is indicative the gathering of talents in this region of the world.”
Source: irib.ir
