Why it matters:
Iran has had only two IOC members in its Olympic history, one before the Islamic Revolution and Mostafa Hashemitaba afterward. Aghaei’s appointment, backed by IOC President Kristin Coventry and Iran’s National Olympic Committee diplomacy, represents a milestone that the seat now belongs to a female athlete, symbolizing the growing role of Iranian women in international sports.
The big picture:
Aghaei’s membership highlights Iran’s renewed presence in Olympic governance and underscores the symbolic power of women athletes representing the nation on the world stage.
What she's saying:
Aghaei said she considers the role a national honor, dedicated to the broader Iranian sports community, especially women.
She recalled her journey from a seven-year-old badminton enthusiast to an Olympian who “made the impossible possible.”
Aghaei pledged to be a strong voice for Iranian and global athletes within the IOC.
Her official appointment will be formalized during the upcoming Winter Olympic Games.
Hossein Amiri - A.Akbari
