KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the recent tragedy that claimed the life of their president, Iran rose to the occasion to sweep both Division 1 titles at the Sepak Takraw World Cup at Titiwangsa Stadium today.
Iran faced Chinese Taipei in both the regu and doubles finals, emerging triumphant despite the looming shadow of the helicopter crash that claimed the life of president Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Sunday.
Iran Sepak Takraw Association secretary-general Ali Fouladi dedicated the wins to the late Raisi.
“I’m so sorry for what happened to them, I hope God bless my president in paradise,” he said.
In the doubles, Iran were made to work hard for their win as Mehdi Ghobadi and Amir Hossein Gharanjik lost the first set 15-11.
But they stormed back to win the next two sets 15-12, 15-11, coming away with the inaugural Division 1 doubles title.
It was a more comfortable affair in the regu as the trio of Sina Rezaei, Majid Ghafari, and Sasan Maleknezhad secured a 15-9, 15-10 victory.
“We had our best games against Chinese Taipei and Bangladesh.
“We will improve further and are looking forward to the Asian Championships in Tehran.
“This win is good for the sport in Iran, and we will keep practising to improve further,” said Maleknezhad. – May 22, 2024