Iran has reclaimed one of its most influential positions in global sport as Badminton Olympian Soraya Aghaei was elected a Member of the International Olympic Committee, marking the country’s first IOC membership in more than two decades.
Iran NOC; Tehran: The achievement
follows active international engagement and the support of IOC President Kirsty
Coventry. It is only the third time in over a century of Iran’s Olympic history
that the country has held an IOC membership, previously represented by Shahpour
Gholamreza Pahlavi before 1979 and. Hashemi Taba afterwards. Aghaei, as a
dedicated and exemplary athlete, becomes the first Iranian woman to hold this
prestigious position. Her election comes shortly after her appointment to the
IOC Athletes’ Commission, further elevating her status in global sport.
In its statement, the NOC
expressed appreciation to President Coventry for her professional leadership
and support for enhancing Iranian athletes’ presence within international sport
structures. The NOC added that the regained position reflects persistent
diplomatic outreach and Iran’s efforts to restore its rightful place in global
sports governance. Iran NOC congratulates the sporting community, women
athletes and the nation on a historic milestone and an important step toward
strengthening Iran’s voice within international decision-making bodies.