Iran’s Wrestling Heritage at Risk Following Executions

Wrestling, known as “Koshti,” holds a special place in Iran’s cultural fabric, closely tied to its pre-Islamic identity and traditions. Celebrated for its values of kindness and humility, this sport reflects a significant aspect of Iranian history, fostering notions of heroism and nationalism.

On March 19, just before the arrival of spring and the celebration of Nowruz, the Iranian regime executed three young men, including Saleh Mohammadi, a talented 19-year-old wrestler. This act seemed aimed at punishing those who revere Iran’s pre-Islamic legacy.

It’s hard to believe the timing of these executions was just coincidental. Earlier this year, amidst the aftermath of a significant massacre, the regime was not shy about demonstrating its grip on power, especially when the nation was gearing up to celebrate its ancient New Year.

Brutal Executions in Qom

The executed individuals—Saleh Mohammadi, along with 21-year-olds Saeed Dabdi and Mehdi Ghasemi—were sentenced for charges that included the alleged murder of two police officers and participating in protests. They faced public execution in Qom, a city regarded as a center of Islamic authority in Iran.

Following the January massacre, reports indicated an increasing number of athletes were being imprisoned under perilous conditions. The Center for Human Rights in Iran has described the regime’s judicial processes as “sham trials” based largely on coerced confessions.

Curiously, while criticisms of the regime often split along political lines, sports figures like Saleh Mohammadi have become emblematic of something larger—a battle over Iran’s identity. The regime’s history of executing athletes, such as the well-known wrestler Navid Afkari, highlights their unsettling strategy to stifle the very spirit of Iranian pride.

Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist, voiced concerns about the regime’s quest to eliminate national heroes, underscoring that these aren’t merely sports issues but touch on fundamental human dignity.

As Iranian society grapples with its relationship with its past, one can observe resistance to the state’s oppressive narrative. Notably, groups have formed to protect significant historical sites, and during Nowruz celebrations, there’s a very tangible expression of nationalism.

Interestingly, a recent trend in baby naming practices reflects this shift—names like Shahan, the plural form of Shah, have emerged as popular choices over more traditional names like Mohammad.

The Regime’s Absurdities

It’s ironic, perhaps even tragic, that wrestlers—once viewed as the embodiment of Iranian heritage—are now targets of the regime. Their successes on the international stage, most notably in the Olympics, seem irrelevant in the eyes of those in power. Instead, the regime appears intent on using these athletes as cautionary tales.

One former American diplomat remarked on the surreal nature of the regime’s actions, equating the executions to an absurd scenario in the U.S. It’s troubling to witness a government employing such extreme measures to suppress dissent.

In a landscape where wrestling has historically been a source of national pride, the current climate illustrates a deep-seated clash between cultural heritage and political repression. As Iranians face ongoing threats to their identity and freedoms, the balance may seem precarious, but the spirit of resistance is far from extinguished.