Chengdu World Games: Bahmanyar Wins Iran's First Gold Medal

Tehran - BORNA - On the opening day of the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, Iran's delegation — known as Team Vefagh — launched 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 after a close 136–141 defeat against her Indian opponent.

In karate, Sara Bahmanyar delivered a commanding performance in the women's kumite division. She advanced confidently through the group stage: drawing 2–2 against Croatia and winning via hansoku (penalty disqualification), defeating Canada 5–4, and dominating Italy 11–3. In the semifinals, Bahmanyar secured another win to reach the gold medal match, where she faced Kazakhstan’s Moldir Zhangirbai. The final ended in a 0–0 draw, but Bahmanyar was awarded victory via hantei (judges’ decision), earning Iran its first gold medal of the tournament.

In the women's individual kata event, Fatemeh Sadeghi showed promise. She won her first bout against the United States, lost her second to Japan, and won the third against Italy to qualify for the semifinals. However, she was defeated in the semis and then fell short in the bronze medal match against Spain’s Paula Garcia.

In wushu, Shahin Bani Talebi brought home another gold for Iran in the men's taolu division. He opened with a score of 9.710 in nanquan (barehanded southern style), placing third. But with a strong performance in his nangun (southern staff) routine, he secured the gold medal — becoming Iran’s second champion of the Games.

In the same category, Helia Asadi scored 9.653 in nandao (southern broadsword), placing fourth. Her final placement will be determined after the nangun routine scheduled for Saturday, August 10.

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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