Maryam Ahmadi and Hanieh Shahpari Deliver Podium Finishes for Iran in Hong Kong
Iran’s rising female athletics stars continued their impressive performances at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong, earning two silver medals and setting a new national record.
Maryam Ahmadi claimed silver in the women’s 1,500 metres, while Hanieh Shahpari secured another silver medal in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase and broke Iran’s senior national record in the process. The championships, which brought together more than 600 athletes from across Asia, were held from May 28 to 31, 2026.
Maryam Ahmadi Wins Silver in the 1,500m
On the opening day of competition, Maryam Ahmadi represented Iran in the women’s 1,500-metre final and delivered a strong performance to finish second.
Ahmadi crossed the finish line in 4:33.35, earning Iran’s first medal of the championships. Sri Lanka’s Tharushi Abhisheka Pemasiri Mahadura Gedara won gold in 4:31.41, while South Korea’s Song Dawon took bronze in 4:35.42.
Shahpari Takes Silver and Rewrites the Record Books
Iran’s Hanieh Shahpari added another silver medal to the national tally in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase during the second day of competition.
The young runner clocked 10:26.34 to finish runner-up and set a new Iranian senior national record in the event. The mark improved her previous national record of 10:29.24 and also represented a new personal best. The performance secured her qualification standard for the upcoming World Athletics U20 Championships.
Second Silver Medal in Hong Kong
However, Shahpari’s success did not end there. On the third day of competition, she claimed a second silver medal, this time in the women’s 3,000m event.
She finished in 9:49.42, lowering both the Iranian U20 and senior national records. The achievement further strengthened her status as one of Iran’s most promising middle- and long-distance runners.
Growing Momentum for Iranian Athletics
The performances of Ahmadi and Shahpari highlighted the growing strength of Iran’s women’s athletics programme at the continental level. With multiple medals, national records, and qualification standards achieved in Hong Kong, Iran’s young athletes have demonstrated their potential ahead of future international competitions.
From: press TV