In a striking display of strength and teamwork, Iran’s women have captured the first gold medal at the 2025 Asian Rowing Championships in Vietnam. The lightweight double sculls pairing of Zeinab Norouzi and Kimia Zarei sealed victory over fierce competition from Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, and India with a finishing time of 7:30.22.
A Breakthrough in Vietnam
The 2025 Asian Rowing Championships, held at the Hai Phong Rowing Training Centre, brought together rowers from across Asia vying for continental honors. In the opening final of the tournament, the Iranian women’s lightweight double sculls event marked a milestone: Norouzi and Zarei emerged as champions, clinching Iran’s first gold of the event.
The Champions’ Journey
In the final round, Norouzi and Zarei competed against crews from Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, and India—teams that had advanced through earlier heats. With exceptional coordination and endurance, the Iranian duo pushed ahead to finish in 7:30.22, earning the top podium spot.
Broader Success for Iran
The women’s double sculls gold added to a growing tally for Iran. In other events, Fatemeh Mojallal also secured a gold in the women’s heavyweight single sculls, further boosting Iran’s standing at the championships. Meanwhile, the men’s lightweight double sculls team of Amirhossein Mahmoudpour and Amirreza Abdali claimed a bronze medal with a time of 6:43.24.
Iran’s breakthrough gold in the women’s lightweight double sculls not only sets a jubilant tone for the rest of the tournament but also underscores the growing strength and depth of the nation’s rowing program on the Asian stage.
From: IRNA