The name is inspired by the title of the Martyred Leader of the Islamic world, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, who is globally recognized as a symbol of resistance, dignity, perseverance, and the pursuit of independence for free nations.
Iran
NOC; Tehran: In a symbolic move, the NOC also announced “Companions of Country
Lovers” (Yavaran-e-Keshvar-Doust) as the official slogan of the delegation.
This slogan references “Keshvar-Doust Street,” the site of the Supreme Leader’s
martyrdom, a term that has recently gained significant cultural resonance and
social media traction across Iran and the region. According to the National
Olympic Committee’s Public Relations, the selection of “The Martyred Leader”
transcends a mere athletic title; it serves as a cultural and strategic message
on the international stage. It signifies that Iranian athletes, while competing
for podium success, remain ambassadors of the nation’s core ideals—honor and
resilience.
Throughout
his leadership, Ayatollah Khamenei consistently emphasized national dignity,
support for the oppressed, and the unity of the Islamic population. These
attributes have solidified his legacy as one of the most enduring figures of
resistance in contemporary regional history The “Martyred Leader” delegation,
comprising approximately 400 athletes, coaches, and technical staff, will
represent Iran in one of the largest delegations to the games. The 2026 Asian
Indoor and Martial Arts Games are scheduled to take place from December 13 to
20, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
NOC
officials stated that the combination of this name and slogan is intended to
foster solidarity and motivation within the team while projecting an image of
the “Chivalry or in Persian language called Pahlavani” (heroic) spirit,
loyalty, and the profound cultural identity of the Iranian people to Asia and
the world.