2025 Riyadh: Iranian runner Amirian takes gold

TEHRAN – Iranian runner Ali Amirian won a gold medal at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) on Thursday.

Freestyler Amouzad wins gold: 2025 Riyadh

TEHRAN – Iranian freestyle wrestler Rahman Amouzad won a gold medal at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) on Thursday.

Iran to play Indonesia at IFCPF Asia-Oceania Cup 2025 final

TEHRAN – Iran defeated Australia 4-0 in the IFCPF Asia-Oceania Cup 2025 semifinals on Thursday.

Iran’s women’s handball collect bronze: 2025 Riyadh

TEHRAN – Iran’s women’s handball team defeated Uzbekistan 29-25 in the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) on Thursday.

Bam Khatoon edge Nasaf at AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26

TEHRAN - Bam Khatoon football club revived their AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26 hopes after edging PFC Nasaf 1-0 in their Group B tie on Thursday.

Women javelin throwers Motaghian and Moradi bag medals: 2025 Riyadh

TEHRAN - Hashemiyeh Motaghian and Zeinab Morad claimed a gold and a silver medal at the Women’s Javelin Throw F55/56 of the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) on Thursday.

Men’s 3x3 Basketball snatch silver: 2025 Riyadh

TEHRAN – Iran’s Men’s 3x3 Basketball snatched a silver medal in the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Game (ISG) on Wednesday.

Iran Greco-Roman wrestlers win two golds: 2025 Riyadh

TEHRAN – Iranian Greco-Roman wrestlers Mohammadhadi Sarvai and Fardin Hedayati won two gold medals at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) on Wednesday.

By Farrokh Hesabi

Iran’s performance in Al Ain raises broader concerns

TEHRAN - Iran football national team’s runners-up finish at the Al Ain International Cup, sealed by a 4–3 penalty defeat to Uzbekistan after a goalless draw, is not a crisis in isolation. Friendly tournaments are designed for experimentation, squad rotation, and tactical testing. Yet the reaction surrounding Team Melli’s latest performances, both on and off the pitch, has intensified concerns among supporters and analysts who believe the national team should display a clearer sense of progress and readiness ahead of a challenging 2026 World Cup.