In a powerful statement, Iranian Paralympic silver medalist Fatemeh Hemmati condemned recent attacks on Iranian soil, emphasizing that internal differences should never compromise national sovereignty or hand the country over to foreign enemies.
Sacred Soil and National Unity
Fatemeh Hemmati, the silver medalist from the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, stressed that the homeland’s soil is sacred. She argued that while differences of opinion may exist within the country, they are no justification for surrendering the nation’s borders to enemies or foreigners.
Condemning the joint attack by the United States and the Zionist regime on Iranian territory, Hemmati highlighted the devastating human cost of war. She noted that women, children, and the elderly suffer the most, with many families in Iran now bearing the grief of loss.
“Despite all internal disagreements, we stand firm by the water and soil of this land,” she declared, affirming that the homeland represents both value and roots for its people.
The Pride of the Flag
For athletes, the national flag holds immense symbolic weight. Hemmati explained that seeing the Iranian flag raised in major squares fills them with pride. She described the ultimate goal of every athlete as reaching the peak of global honor at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“When this peak is conquered, the Iranian flag rises in the world, which is incredibly valuable,” she said. “Gold medals and the raising of the flag are two pride-inducing feelings that complement each other.”
Grief Over Recent Tragedies
Hemmati expressed deep sorrow over recent tragic events, specifically mentioning the school in Minab and the Dena naval vessel. She described a “heart-wrenching pain” when thinking about the martyrs and the families affected by these attacks.
“Who could be happy about war news?” she asked. “Many mothers, sisters, and wives have been bereaved in this war, and this is the result of the enemy’s brutal attack.”
A Legacy of Seven Millennia
Acknowledging that the country faces various problems, Hemmati insisted that these challenges do not justify handing the nation over to outsiders. She reminded listeners of Iran’s seven-thousand-year history and the hundreds of thousands of lives sacrificed for the country.
“As an athlete, I consider the homeland my primary root and foundation,” she stated.
Hope for Victory
Reflecting on the past two months, Hemmati praised the people for standing by the country and its soil. She expressed hope that this collective resilience would lead to victory on all fronts.
From: IRNA