Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in a meeting with athletes participating in the Olympics and Paralympics

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

First of all, I thank all the dear athletes who are present here for the manifestations of the Islamic and Iranian identity that you have shown in one of the most sensitive arenas and international scenes.

Every champion athlete of ours who participates in any field of sports and attracts eyes from all over the world is, in fact, a translation of the national sentiments and Islamic identity of our country and nation; whatever efforts you make in this regard, you have made valuable efforts.

Today, in the world, the issue of sports and champion sports has a place that you have utilized from this podium to showcase the identity of our great nation, and this deserves thanks. Now, those of you who have won medals and attracted more eyes to yourselves are in your own place; those who did not win medals but showed their efforts and endeavors to the world and were praised are also part of this honor. Therefore, I thank you for being a symbol of the character of our great nation in various fields of this country and this nation, and I am pleased that you pursue champion sports, considering it a valuable endeavor.

Another benefit of champion sports is the development of sports throughout the country, which I have emphasized many times; whether in sports for non-disabled individuals or especially in the sports of the disabled. When you, who have physical challenges - challenges that are not voluntary - strive, and people see your effort, determination, and will, they are encouraged to engage in sports; sports is very necessary for our country; in this regard, your work is valuable.

Another delicate and very important aspect of the work of our champions, which has been shown, is the demonstration of religiosity and interest in Islamic values; this is very valuable; both in the sports of the disabled, this issue is observed, and in the sports of other champions. When a champion from our country, in front of millions and perhaps hundreds of millions of people worldwide, thanks God after his victory and raises his hand to the sky or prostrates, do not underestimate this; it spreads the message of spirituality in the world; a world where billions of dollars have been spent to dim spirituality and extinguish the light of spirituality. You know how much the Zionists have spent in the last hundred years, especially in recent decades, to raise people without spiritual identity and lead them to immorality and disbelief and carelessness in religious belief and faith? When you raise your hand after a victory on the wrestling mat or in the weightlifting venue or anywhere else, thank God, prostrate, or mention the names of great religious figures, you are, in fact, nullifying all the investments they have made with a simple gesture; God Almighty helps and inspires you to do this. Surely, Mr. Reza Zadeh, on the first day he shouted "O Abolfazl," did not know how much impact it would have; he expressed his religious feelings; or that brother who prostrates, or the one who raises his hand - I have seen this scene many times in our champion sports on television - these truly convey spirituality.

You see how much they spend and strive to eliminate hijab from the world; countries that consider themselves the cradle of freedom, you see what they do to fight against hijab. Now, all those organizations that fight against hijab are one side, and this believing athlete sister and our young girl who appears before the cameras of the world with Islamic hijab and modest clothing - either with a chador or with that beautiful, valuable form - shows that she adheres to this value, and this scene is reflected all over the world, this is another side; she, in fact, neutralizes all that propaganda.

The work of our dear Arash was also one of those very prominent works; it was a very valuable work. If he had held his competition and won, the value of his work would not have been as much. Of course, they tried to undermine this work in the world; they could not. They all conspired that: you ruined the Olympics; you politicized it. They themselves exploit and utilize everything for their colonial policies; but when a Muslim and believing youth defends a value; defends an oppressed nation and confronts an international bully, a tough and aggressive one, with this language and demeanor, they create such a fuss against him. Of course, they are wrong! They faced an accomplished act and were technically defeated! With this act, they received a slap; now, after that, whatever fuss they want to create, let them do it; he did his job.

Among the very good and valuable works that I saw some champions do - of course, I am not saying you must do this; but those who did, it was a very valuable act - and I read this in the newspaper the day before yesterday, is that some of our medal-winning athletes donated their medals to the shrine of Hazrat Abolfazl or for the reconstruction of Bam.

I rarely sit down to watch sports programs on television; because a little excitement from sports programs bothers me; I do not have much patience for such excitement to sit and watch every moment of the competition; but sometimes I sit down and insist. The night that Mr. Reza Zadeh did that beautiful act, I was at the television; I saw both the clean and the two clean lifts and the record being raised, and at that moment, I understood the feelings of the youth and the people and millions of individuals in this country; truly and from my heart, I thanked this young man and conveyed my thanks right there. Of course, I am truly grateful to all of you.

My dear ones! Whatever you can, strengthen this environment and this atmosphere and this spiritual inclination and love for spirituality within yourselves. Today, not only the country but the world and all its youth need this spirituality; today, the world lives in a void of spirituality, and you are those who sometimes a small act of yours can have more impact and spread than dozens of books. Of course, I am not saying it is always like this; but truly sometimes a small movement of yours that indicates a tendency towards spirituality has a wide-ranging impact and is greater than the impact of books, writings, and speeches; cherish this opportunity.

God willing, may God grant you all success and be pleased with all of you; we are pleased with you and thank you, and we entrust you to God. God willing, may you all have a good end and day by day, God willing, may your honors increase. I sincerely thank the coaches, managers, and good individuals who have worked for you and provided this opportunity for the country.

If I had time and if I were young, I would join your ranks; but unfortunately, we are old now and have many troubles; we just look at you and enjoy. God willing, may you be successful; may you live long.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.