Tears, triumphs, salutes: Iranian women athletes wear patriotism with pride on global stage

By Press TV Website Staff

It has been a week of glory and triumph for Iranian women’s sports, with the national football, basketball, and handball teams putting up impressive performances in their respective international tournaments.

Beyond the results, what captured the attention of fans around the globe were the military salutes performed by the athletes during the national anthem before their matches – an awe-inspiring display of patriotism, pride, and deep respect for the country and its armed forces.

These tournaments coincided with the tremendous feeling of national unity following the recent Israeli-American aggression against the Islamic Republic, which claimed nearly 1,000 lives, including senior military commanders, nuclear scientists and ordinary civilians.

The 12-day war of aggression, which ended with a unilateral ceasefire declared by Washington on behalf of the Tel Aviv regime, galvanized the Iranian public in a patriotic spirit.

The unprovoked and unlawful attack on Iranian soil ended in a humiliating retreat and defeat for the aggressors, only uniting the proud nation in defiance and resilience.

On Saturday night, the Iranian women’s football team qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the second time with a commanding 2-1 victory over host nation Jordan, thanks to goals by Sara Didar (47’) and Negin Zandi (82’).

Prior to kickoff, the team stood for the national anthem, raising their hands in a military salute to the Iranian flag. Many players were visibly moved and overcome with emotion.

After securing qualification, a video of the team went viral, showing members gathering in the hotel lobby, singing “Iran, Fadāye Ashk o Khande-ye To” (“Iran, may I be sacrificed for your tears and smiles”), a heartfelt moment that beautifully blended joy, national pride, and unity.

The team had saluted the national flag before each match of the AFC Qualifiers hosted by Jordan, a gesture that resonated far beyond the field.

Meanwhile, Iran’s women’s basketball team secured a decisive 78–52 victory over Thailand in the semifinals of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, earning a spot in the final.

Chinese Taipei, which defeated Mongolia, will meet Iran in what promises to be a thrilling summit clash of the tournament hosted by China.

Before their semifinal match, Iranian basketball players, following the example set by the football team, offered a military salute during the national anthem, an expression of national pride and solidarity. They had done so before every match in the tournament.

The Iranian women’s junior handball team, participating in the Asian Women’s Handball Championship in China, was also seen saluting the flag before their matches in viral videos.

Last week, players from Iran’s men’s volleyball team also joined the campaign, offering a military salute during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League in China, standing with their country and the armed forces.

Last month, the Israeli regime launched an unprovoked aggression against the Islamic Republic, with the support of Western countries, mainly the United States.

Among those martyred in the Israeli-American acts of aggression were young athletes.

In the aftermath of the aggression, which the international community failed to condemn, Iranians from all walks of life to the streets across the country in solidarity with the leadership and armed forces.