News- Middle East: Iran has held a tribute ceremony to honor the families of 30 Iranian athletes who were killed during the 12-day Israeli aggression against the country.

The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Sports and Youth in the capital Tehran on Tuesday, with senior ministry officials, heads of sports federations, and the families of the martyred athletes in attendance.

During the event, a send-off was also given to the ‘Solidarity Caravan’ traveling to the 12th edition of The World Games (TWG 2025 Chengdu) in Chengdu, China, scheduled to take place from August 7 to 17.

As a symbol of unity and solidarity amid the war, the Iranian delegation heading to the World Games performed a military salute.

The symbolic gesture echoed a similar salute performed by Iran’s under-16 women’s basketball team the previous day before their match against Jordan in the West Asia Championship.

The ceremony was part of a series of events commemorating the war and its victims, including farewell processions for the martyred citizens.

The formal ambiance of the ceremony was enhanced by traditional drumming, creating a solemn atmosphere that paid tribute to the fallen athletes and their heroic legacy.

Ali Rezaei, the Leader’s representative in Iran’s Volunteer Basij Force Organization, delivered the opening speech at the ceremony.

During his address, he highlighted the significant role of sports martyrs in safeguarding the national and religious identity.

He stressed the weighty responsibility placed on today’s athletes, extending beyond winning medals to encompass the transmission of values like sacrifice, spirituality, and resistance.

Rezaei further emphasized the enduring frontline position of the sports community and how the pursuit of knowledge elevates the honor of the nation.

He also praised heroes and athletes for exemplifying the capabilities of the nation, referring to them as the pride of the Iranian people.

Abdolhossein Khosrowpanah, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for the Cultural Revolution, also acknowledged the outstanding contribution of the athletes during the 12-day war with Israel, stating that they shone even brighter than the general population by demonstrating solidarity and patriotism.

He also said that the real heroes of the country are the martyrs, specifically highlighting the youth who, despite not being armed or holding high military positions, made significant sacrifices for the nation.

Khosrowpanah further underlined the sports community’s remarkable contribution by presenting the nation with the largest number of martyrs, attributing them with bringing honor and dignity to Iranian sports.

The Israeli regime launched its aggression against the Islamic Republic on June 13, which led to the assassination of many high-ranking military commanders, scientists, university professors, athletes, and other ordinary citizens.

In response, Iranian armed forces launched Operation True Promise III, carrying out 21 waves of missile and drone strikes against strategic military intelligence targets in the occupied territories and decimating the regime’s much-hyped air defense systems.

Source: Press TV