Safieh Ali-Ghurchi, a former member of Iran’s national women’s sitting volleyball team, was martyred following attacks carried out by US–Israeli forces against residential areas in Tehran.
Former National Athlete Among Victims of Recent Strikes
Safieh Ali-Ghurchi, who previously represented Iran’s women’s sitting volleyball team, lost her life as a result of the recent strikes on Iranian territory by the Zionist regime and the United States. Iran’s sports community has mourned several martyrs throughout history who sacrificed their lives in defense of the country.
Federation President Condemns Attacks and International Silence
Jalil Kouhpayehzadeh, President of Iran’s Federation for the Disabled and War Veterans Sports, confirmed that Ali-Ghurchi sustained fatal injuries during Monday’s aerial assaults targeting residential areas in Tehran.
“She was an ethical and honorable athlete, and we deeply mourn her loss,” he said, emphasizing that “such crimes are signs of the enemy’s weakness and desperation.”
Kouhpayehzadeh strongly criticized the silence of international organizations and stated that Iran has officially informed the World ParaVolley Federation about the incident.
“We are pursuing this matter through legal channels and urge international bodies to hold accountable the countries responsible for this crime,” he added.
A Double Standard in Global Sports Governance
Addressing the indifference of global sports institutions, Kouhpayehzadeh compared the current situation to the actions taken against Russia during the Ukraine conflict:
“Not only did the war in Ramadan go unnoticed, but even the killing of over 60,000 people in Gaza drew no meaningful reaction from the global sports community. The same countries involved in these latest aggressions act freely without punishment—while Russia was swiftly banned and suspended for far less.”
He contended that politics and power continue to manipulate the appearances of international sport, shaping responses in line with geopolitical interests rather than ethical standards.
Call for Accountability and Sanctions
In conclusion, Kouhpayehzadeh urged international bodies such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and global sports federations to take decisive action:
“It is time for these nations to face consequences in the form of bans and suspensions. We hope international sports organizations will respond appropriately to this recent unjust war.”
From: Tasnimnews