Why it matters:
Zandi’s rise to No. 1 highlights Iran’s growing prominence in international taekwondo and boosts the nation’s Olympic prospects ahead of the 2028 Games.
The big picture:
The World Taekwondo Federation released its latest global rankings for November, factoring in points from the recent World Championships in China. Several Iranian athletes, both male and female, made significant gains in their rankings across various weight categories.
Key points:
- Zandi secured 1st place in the world rankings with 170.80 points, also ranking 4th in the Olympic standings.
- World silver medalist Mehdi Hajimousaei climbed 57 places to 10th with 116 points.
- Amirsina Bakhtiari, a world bronze medalist, moved up 17 spots to 8th in the –80 kg category.
- Among women, Saeedeh Nasiri rose six places to 28th in the –49 kg class, and Nahid Kiani ranked 13th in the –57 kg category.
Go deeper:
Iran’s Abolfazl Zandi Wins Gold at World Taekwondo Championships After 10 Years
M.Majdi - Mahboubeh Habibi
