Donyamali: Iran committed to sports diplomacy with all 15 neighbors

Tehran - BORNA - During a meeting at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Donyamali highlighted the lessons of Iran’s recent 12-day Sacred Defense, saying that maintaining steady engagement with neighboring countries is a strategic priority. “We are obliged to move toward sports that align with the cultural fabric of our neighbors, and through this approach expand our regional connections,” he said. “In several disciplines we are regional leaders, and we can transfer our expertise to countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

He also pointed to the growing importance of beach sports, noting that Iran has made their development a focus across its provinces. “Beach disciplines are expanding worldwide and require limited infrastructure. Even in provinces without natural coasts, we can build artificial beach grounds,” he explained, suggesting these projects could also be used to foster collaboration with regional states.

Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth echoed the emphasis on sports diplomacy, describing it as one of the ministry’s core objectives. “We have a responsibility to cooperate with all 15 of our neighbors to expand sports relations,” he said. The minister added that Iran is prepared to host Afghan sports officials, facilitate exchanges, and allow Iranian federations to build lasting partnerships with their Afghan counterparts.

Alireza Bigdeli, head of Iran’s diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, further underlined that President Masoud Pezeshkian places strong emphasis on expanding ties with neighboring countries. He called on the sports ministry to actively support enhanced sporting cooperation with Afghanistan as part of Tehran’s broader regional outreach.

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