« The National Olympic and Paralympic Committees of the Islamic Republic do not represent Iranian sport. They represent a regime. They function as political instruments, not sports organizations. Two hundred figures from Iranian sport – mostly athletes, as well as a few journalists – sent a letter to Kirsty CoventryThey are asking the IOC president to to show courage and to reflect on la dissolution of the National Olympic Committee of the Iranian regime ».
« Iranian sport is controlled by the ideological machine that is the Islamic Republic. Its federations are not independent institutions. They are extensions of state power. ", the letter emphasizes, referring to a systemic discrimination against women, the exclusion of athletes on religious grounds and " anti-Semitic policies that force Iranian athletes to withdraw rather than compete against Israelis ».
Resharing this letter from over 200 Iranian athletes sent to @iocmedia President Kirsty Coventry.
— Global Athlete (@GlobalAthleteHQ) March 11, 2026
Another letter that has gone unanswered. Another group of athletes silenced. It is becoming increasingly clear that the IOC's “athletes first” slogan holds no tangible meaning.… pic.twitter.com/EJqrSM61Ym
The authors also denounce the silence of Kaveh Mehrabi, director of the IOC athletes' department, and Soraya Aghai, recently elected IOC member, in the face of the regime's repression, which cost the lives of some athletes, while others were sent to prison.
« Madam President, the Olympic Movement claims to defend fairness, neutrality and human dignityThese principles are incompatible with restrictions imposed on the grounds of nationality, religious exclusion, gender segregation, and the imprisonment of athletes.", the letter reads. As the first woman to head the IOC, your reaction to the repression of Iranian female athletes and to the politicization of Iranian sport It will not only define your mandate. It will determine whether the Olympic Charter is a living document or a mere protocol text. »
