Uprising Against the People’s Joy!

Iran’s victory in world wrestling, coming 12 years after their last title, was a spectacle few of the nation’s adversaries anticipated. With a victory lap, flag raised, and a military salute, the wrestlers, many of them ordinary young Iranians, restored national pride in a sport deeply rooted in Iranian culture—just three months after the 12-day war, at a time when pessimistic campaigns were still being pumped by Persian-language media affiliated with foreign intelligence.

This victory contrasts sharply with attempts over the past three years by some Persian-language outlets to undermine collective joy in sports, portraying Iran’s achievements through a political lens to sow division. Even claims of the government exploiting sports for political purposes were used to delegitimize this national celebration.

Media Attacks and Misdirection

Foreign-backed media and anti-Iran outlets had long tried to dim public morale, portraying Iranian athletic achievements as failures, emphasizing athletes who emigrated, or highlighting irrelevant controversies. They attempted to frame victories as anomalies rather than the result of talent, hard work, and national effort.

Some Persian-language channels even reduced the significance of the wrestling triumph, claiming Iran’s success came only because other competitors weren’t fully focused, suggesting this would undermine future Olympic prospects. Others focused on political narratives rather than celebrating the young athletes’ remarkable dedication, whose average age is just 22 and includes even street vendors turned champions.

Domestic Political Blind Spots

Alarmingly, some reformist media within Iran also downplayed this historic achievement, using political disputes within sports federations as excuses to remain silent. Such politically motivated omissions, while perhaps well-intentioned, risk undermining national pride and collective joy more than foreign media attacks ever could.

Focus on Technical Excellence

Iran’s victory shows the value of focusing on technical skills and team strategy rather than being distracted by irrelevant political noise. By concentrating on performance and preparation, the federation ensured the athletes’ triumph became a source of widespread national pride.

A National Celebration Beyond Politics

This win is not just a sporting victory; it’s a cultural and national milestone, proving that grassroots talent, dedication, and unity can overcome both international skepticism and internal political noise. It serves as a reminder that sports can unify a nation, and that success should be celebrated as a shared achievement, free from partisan agendas or external interference.