Legendary Iranian wrestler Emam-Ali Habibi passes away

TEHRAN (Iran News) Emam-Ali Habibi, a legendary figure in Iranian wrestling, has passed away at the age of 94 after a prolonged illness. He died on Sunday morning at a hospital in Qaemshahr, northern Mazandaran Province, following a 53-day hospitalization due to respiratory and cardiac issues.

The wrestling icon had been receiving treatment since mid-July at Shahid Yahyanejad Hospital in the city of Babol and was later transferred to Razi Hospital in Qaemshahr where he succumbed to his ailments despite his medical team’s efforts.

Born in the village of Darzikolay Akhoondi near Babol, Habibi began wrestling at a young age after moving to Qaemshahr. He rose to prominence in the 1950s, becoming the first Iranian and Muslim athlete to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Games. Known as the “Tiger of Mazandaran,” he also secured multiple world championships and Asian titles throughout his illustrious career.

After retiring from competitive wrestling, Habibi transitioned into coaching and later entered politics, serving as a representative in the Iranian Parliament. His legacy continues to inspire future generations, with an international wrestling tournament held annually in his honor in Mazandaran.

On Wednesday, the Islamic Republic of Iran Wrestling Federation unveiled a biography of this esteemed champion. “Iranian wrestler”

Ahmad Donyamali, Minister of Sports and Youth, expressed condolences following the passing of the renowned Iranian champion.

Born in the village of Darzikolay Akhoondi near Babol, Habibi began wrestling at a young age after moving to Qaemshahr. He rose to prominence in the 1950s, becoming the first Iranian and Muslim athlete to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Games. Known as the “Tiger of Mazandaran,” he also secured multiple world championships and Asian titles throughout his illustrious career.

After retiring from competitive wrestling, Habibi transitioned into coaching and later entered politics, serving as a representative in the Iranian Parliament. His legacy continues to inspire future generations, with an international wrestling tournament held annually in his honor in Mazandaran.

On Wednesday, the Islamic Republic of Iran Wrestling Federation unveiled a biography of this esteemed champion. “Iranian wrestler”