Iran’s Minister of Sport and Youth, Ahmad Danialy, has sent a letter to the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, urging the organization to take a decisive stance against recent “savage crimes” by the Israeli regime targeting Iranian citizens and athletes.
The appeal follows recent attacks on Iran by the “occupying Zionist regime.” In his letter to the head of the world’s highest sports executive body, Danialy called for the IOC to condemn Israel’s actions and the “killing of Iranian athletes,” in line with the Olympic Charter.
The letter from Ahmad Danialy to the IOC President states:
Subject: Urgent Request for Condemnation and Action Against Israeli Aggressions
With wishes for your health and well-being, I am writing today to express deep sorrow and grave concern regarding the recent overt military aggressions of the Zionist Israeli regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Such heinous acts constitute an affront to humanity and have regrettably led to the loss of innocent lives, including several esteemed athletes and civilians from our country.
These cowardly attacks not only jeopardize the fragile balance of regional peace but also openly undermine the fundamental principles of sport, which are universally dedicated to fostering positive human relations and upholding moral values.
The Olympic philosophy, as a symbol of hope and unity, has always championed peace, respect, and solidarity as its core tenets. Given these foundational principles, it is incumbent upon the International Olympic Committee to unequivocally condemn the targeting of innocent individuals, especially athletes who symbolize international friendship and dedication.
We respectfully request your Committee to adopt a firm position on protecting the world’s athletes from such unacceptable aggression and violence.
Furthermore, we earnestly urge the International Olympic Committee to consider the immediate suspension of the occupying Israeli regime from all international competitions. Such a decisive action would send a clear message that acts of violence and disregard for human life have no place in the global sports community.
We are confident that the International Olympic Committee, under your distinguished leadership, will uphold the values of Olympism, which are to support peace, safeguard athletes, and foster a world free from violence and war.
