Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei met with Alireza Karimi, who refused to wrestle a Zionist, and his family on Sunday.

Karimi was accompanied by Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Masoud Soltanifar in this meeting.

Karimi, the honorable wrestler of the Islamic Republic, whom, recently, refused to enter competition against the usurper Zionist Regime's representative, rejecting recognition of the Zionist entity, met with Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Praising the act of Alireza Karimi, Ayatollah Khamenei regarded his great deed paralleled with that of famous athletes like Pourya-ye Vali and held: "I truly feel proud of such behavior that shows a young man, among our nation, is ready to sacrifice his desires and his right to earn a championship for the sake of a great, high goal."

 He went on to say: "Value this deed, and know that God will reward you with spiritual blessings for this deed; of course, the officials should also pay proper attention and offer material rewards."

Ayatollah Khamenei also offered his ring to the athlete.