Tehran - BORNA - Iran’s national athletes kicked off the Chengdu 2025 World Games with a strong start, led by Sara Bahmanyar’s historic gold in karate.
On the opening day of the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, Iran's delegation, known as Team Vefagh, began its campaign across several disciplines, with impressive performances in karate and wushu.
In archery, Gisoo Bayboordi, Iran’s sole representative, narrowly missed advancing to the quarterfinals. She was defeated by her Indian opponent with a score of 136–141.
In karate, Sara Bahmanyar delivered a stellar performance in the women's kumite division, dominating her group stage matches. In her first match, she drew 2–2 against her Croatian opponent and was declared the winner via hansoku. In her second match, she defeated Canada 5–4, and in her third match, she overwhelmed Italy with an 11–3 victory. In the semifinals, Bahmanyar once again emerged victorious, securing her spot in the gold medal match against Kazakhstan’s Moldir Zhangirbai. The final bout ended in a 0–0 draw, but Bahmanyar was awarded the win via hantei (judges' decision), earning her the honor of Iran’s first gold medal at Chengdu 2025.
In the women’s individual kata event, Fatemeh Sadeghi also performed well. She defeated her American opponent in Group A, lost her second match against Japan, and won her final group match against Italy to qualify for the semifinals. Despite a valiant effort, Sadeghi lost in the semifinals and then fell short in the bronze medal match against Paula Garcia of Spain, finishing just outside the podium.
In wushu, Shahin Bani Talebi delivered a gold-winning performance in the men’s taolu category. He began with a score of 9.710 in the nanquan routine, placing third, but came back stronger in his nangun routine to clinch the gold medal, becoming Iran’s second gold medalist at the Games.
Helia Asadi, also competing in wushu taolu, scored 9.653 in her nandao routine, placing fourth. Her final result will be determined in tomorrow’s nangun routine.
Iran’s athletes are off to a promising start at the 2025 Chengdu World Games, raising hopes for more podium finishes in the days ahead.
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