Dr. Mahdi Alinejad, Secretary General of National Olympic Committee, paid a visit to the Cycling Federation’s testing center and the training camp of Iran’s youth national cycling team, which will compete in the upcoming Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.
Iran NOC; Tehran: During his
visit, Dr. Alinejad expressed his pleasure at meeting the young athletes and
announced that the delegation has been named the “Ambassadors of Hope,”
emphasizing that these athletes represent not only the future of Iranian sports
but also the future of the country as a whole. “You are the generation that
will shape Iran’s future. Achieving success requires effort, and being here
today already shows your dedication,” he said. He further acknowledged the
athletes’ commitment and the support of their families, noting that many had
aspired to this opportunity, but only the most dedicated earned a place in the
national camp.
Highlighting the NOC’s
philosophy, Dr. Alinejad stressed that the process of growth and perseverance
is more important than the final result. “You are already champions because you
are on the path of effort. Winning is not measured solely by medals—true
winners are those who continue to grow and learn,” he added. Regarding team
selection, he explained that Iran will send a full cycling team to the Asian
Youth Games, comprising three girls and three boys, to ensure the athletes can
compete at their highest capacity and gain valuable experience against
international competitors. He recalled that in the previous Asian Games in
Hangzhou, Iran was represented by only one cyclist, Ali Labib, who narrowly
missed a podium finish in fourth place. “This time, we are determined to
provide the full team with the opportunity to showcase their abilities,” he
said. Dr. Alinejad also highlighted the broader experience awaiting the young
cyclists in Bahrain, noting that they will have the chance to engage with
athletes from different countries and cultures, representing Iran as true
ambassadors.
In response, Dr. Asadi, President
of the Cycling Federation, expressed gratitude for the visit and outlined the
team’s participation plans. Iran’s six cyclists will compete in the road
cycling events, including endurance road races, individual time trials, and
mixed team time trials.