Ahmadinejad’s Nowruz Giveaway: Who Snagged 20 Pride Cars?

Wednesday, July 02, 2025  Read time1 min

SAEDNEWS: In celebration of Iran’s runner‑up finish at the 2009 Freestyle Wrestling World Cup, former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad awarded 20 Pride cars to key members of the national team.

Ahmadinejad’s Nowruz Giveaway: Who Snagged 20 Pride Cars?

According to Saed News, following Iran’s runner‑up finish at the 2009 Freestyle Wrestling World Cup—hosted in Tehran on 17–18 Esfand 1387 (March 7–8, 2009)—President Ahmadinejad presented 20 Pride vehicles on 3 Farvardin 1388 (March 23, 2009) as tokens of appreciation.

In the final seconds of the 120 kg bout, Iran’s Fardin Masoumi narrowly lost to his Azerbaijani opponent, securing Iran’s overall second place behind Azerbaijan and just ahead of Russia.

The 20 cars were distributed among 14 wrestlers, four coaches, Mohammad Ali Sanatkaran (Deputy Head of the Wrestling Federation), and Amir Sasan, the national team’s physician.