Iran’s under‑16 girls basketball team made history on August 2, 2025, by winning their first-ever West Asian championship. Their striking gesture of standing in military salute during the national anthem earned admiration and embodied national pride and sporting dignity.
A Defining Moment before the Final
At the West Asia U‑16 Girls Basketball Championship in Beirut (August 2025), the Iranian squad made headlines even before tip-off. As the Iranian national anthem played prior to games against Jordan and Syria, the players stood in a military-style salute—an unspoken symbol of respect, national identity, and competitive spirit.
On-Court Performance: Rising Through the Ranks
The Iranian team began the tournament with victories over Jordan and Syria during the group stage. In their final group match they fell short to Lebanon, losing 47–37, but still advanced to the championship game based on earlier wins.
A Thrilling Final: Iran vs Lebanon
In a hard-fought final, Iran edged out Lebanon with a narrow 41–38 victory to claim the West Asian title—its first in history at this level.
Top scorer Elina Evini led Team Iran with 17 points, playing a crucial role in the win. This outcome also secured their qualification for the 2025 FIBA U‑16 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B, marking Iran’s debut appearance at the continental competition.
National Impact: More Than Just a Trophy
This victory is a landmark for Iran’s youth and women’s basketball initiatives. The team’s disciplined presentation and disciplined performance reflect Iran’s growing investment in female sports—through youth academies, national leagues, and stronger support structures within cultural and religious frameworks.
Moreover, qualifying for the FIBA Asia Cup offers these young players a chance to compete on a larger stage—setting a precedent for future generations and cementing Iran’s place in regional women’s basketball.
Summary
- Historic first West Asian U‑16 girls basketball title for Iran.
- Victory over Lebanon, 41–38 in the final.
- Stand-in-salute during anthem symbolized unity, respect, and love of country.
- Earned qualification for the 2025 FIBA U‑16 Women’s Asia Cup—first-ever appearance.
- A defining moment in the evolution of women’s sports in Iran, spotlighting technical skill and national determination.
From: Olympic.ir