President Hassan Rouhani attended an Iftar (evening meal) ceremony with athletes and sports officials on Sunday night.

Rouhani said: “Now the election time is over and the competitions are over just as domestic leagues, and any team’s fans are now the national team’s fans”.

President also said: “Today, we want to take part in regional and global competitions and, in the field of security, science and self-sufficiency, reach the first levels”.

On the importance of physical and spiritual exercise, Rouhani said: "Body health is one of God's great blessings and thanking these blessings will only be possible by attempting to take good care of them and this is possible through sport".

President Rouhani went on to refer to the Supreme Leader's emphasis on the need to promote sport in the country and said: "Sport spreads health and liveliness in the society".

"Keeping our bodies healthy is an order in Islam and one of our duties," continued the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He also added: "30 to 40 years ago, if there was any talk of sport for women, even hiking and mountaineering was unacceptable for some people but now it is not the case. Women must have a role in sport".

(Source: President.ir)