Ceremony Held to Honor World Karate Champions

TEHRAN (Iran News) The event was organized under the leadership of the World Shotokan Federation representative and the Asian President of the WMMF Karate Federation, with prominent figures and world champions in attendance.

Among the notable attendees were Dr. Ahmad Mohammadi Sohrevardi, Asian President of the WMMF Karate Federation; Master Ahmad Safi, founder of the WMMF style and Iran’s representative to the WSKF Shotokan Federation; and Master Majid Safi, head of Iran’s Parakarate Committee. The ceremony highlighted the contributions of these individuals and the athletes they have guided to success.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Ahmad Safi expressed his delight, stating, “We are thrilled to host champions, coaches, and leading karate figures today. These individuals have played a vital role in Iran’s victories at the Deaf Olympics, Parakarate Deaf competitions, and Asian and World Karate Championships at the national team level.” He noted that the honored group secured 11 medals in Asian Parakarate, along with two gold and one bronze at the Deaf Olympics.

Dr. Ahmad Mohammadi Sohrevardi also praised the athletes, saying, “You are a source of pride. Your courage in sports has made you champions and continues to bring honor to Iran worldwide.” Dr. Saeed Omrani, another prominent figure at the event, added, “Your chivalrous spirit as champions deserves recognition. Your ethical conduct in sports upholds Iran’s dignity, inspiring Iranians across the globe.”

The ceremony also saw the presence of distinguished karate masters, including Asghar Taherabadi, Bahman Hasanzadeh, Mehdi Ahmadi, Arash Kiamehr, Reza Safi, Mohammad Mohammadi Sohrevardi (a lawyer), and Ali Ganji, inspector of Iran’s Calligraphers Association.

At the conclusion of the event, international champions and coaches were celebrated with certificates of appreciation, valuable poetry books, and prestigious awards. Honored athletes included Mehdi Khodabakhshi, Ali Maskini, Ali Rahimi, Amir Reza Barzoui, Reza Besharatikia, Esmaeil Mo’tamedi, Mohammad Mehdi Khoshnavaz, Ali Reza Heydari, Hafez Hafezikia, Rahim Golmohammadi, Abolfazl Chehreqani, Negar Farahani Vasheqani, Milad Sadeqzadeh Ebrahimpour Kashani, and Mohammad Hossein Saeidi.

In a special segment, distinguished international coaches and masters—Asghar Taherabadi, Majid Safi, Bahman Hasanzadeh, Reza Safi, Mehdi Ahmadi, and Arash Kiamehr—were also recognized for their outstanding contributions. The ceremony underscored the importance of karate in promoting Iran’s legacy of excellence and sportsmanship on the world stage.