TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking to IRNA on Tuesday, Mehrdad Ali-Qardashi pointed to Iran’s ranking in the coaching by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), saying that with a total of 1,105 coaches, the country could manage to achieve the first place in the world.

He said that Iran currently has 1,001 active coaches at level-one, 86 coaches at level-two, and 18 coaches at level-three, whose details are available on the website of the ITTF.

Iran’s exact share of the world’s total registered coaches is calculated as 15.36 percent, meaning that approximately every 6 to 7 international coaches registered on this list is an Iranian coach.

According to him, Egypt and India are in the second and third places in the world’s table tennis coaching after Iran, contrary to a popular belief that China, Japan, and South Korea are among the top three.

Ali-Qardashi attributed the Iran’s ranking to the improved scientific level of coaches, which resulted in Iranian teenagers and young adults to defeat the Paris Olympic title-holders.

He reminded the words of the ITTF chief, a member of the International Olympic Committee and himself a world champion from Sweden, who during the meeting with the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee praised Benyamin Faraji for defeating World and Olympics champion and world No. 1 Wang Chuqin at the 2024 Asian Table Tennis Championships.

The head of Iran’s Table Tennis Federation underscored that such praises for a teenager from West Asia, who defeated the first and second world players from China, shows the importance of Iranian coaches.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Two Liga MX fixtures — Queretaro vs. Juarez FC in the men’s competition and Chivas vs. America in the women’s league — were called off, along with two second-division matches.

The disruption comes as Mexico prepares to co-host this summer’s World Cup, with Guadalajara scheduled to stage four matches in June.

Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” led the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and was wounded in Tapalpa, about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara, before dying while being flown to Mexico City.

In the aftermath of his death, cartel members burned vehicles and blocked roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states.

Authorities reported explosions and shootouts between criminal groups and security forces in Jalisco, Guerrero and Michoacan, with roadblocks erected using burning cars across parts of southwest Mexico.

Against that backdrop, Mexico’s national team is scheduled to face Iceland in a friendly on Wednesday at the Corregidora stadium in Queretaro, and the Mexican football federation has not announced any plans to postpone the match.

Meanwhile, the unrest has cast fresh uncertainty over preparations for the World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Mexico is set to host 13 matches across Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey, including the opening game in Mexico City on June 11.

Guadalajara is due to stage four fixtures, including two involving South Korea, as well as matches featuring co-host Mexico, Spain, Uruguay and Colombia.

The CJNG is regarded as one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, with operations spanning much of the country and a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the United States.

Its designation as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration has underscored international concern over its reach.

In response to the latest violence, Global Affairs Canada urged people to “avoid non-essential travel” to dozens of areas in Mexico “due to high levels of violence and organized crime.”

The US State Department advised Americans to shelter in place, with some tourists reportedly stranded amid the unrest.

Separately, the Mexican Open ATP tournament is due to begin on Monday at the GNP Arena in Acapulco, Guerrero, with organizers stating that “the tournament’s operation continues as normal.”

The violence erupted just months before the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will feature 104 matches and draw millions of fans to North America, intensifying scrutiny of security arrangements in host cities.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The tournament will serve as the second United World Wrestling Ranking Series event of the season.

The tournament spans five days, with weight classes running from start to finish in one day, unlike the two-day format seen at the World Championships. Men’s freestyle leads things off on Wednesday, followed by the start of women’s freestyle on Thursday, and Greco-Roman getting underway on Friday.

Freestyle Wrestling
74 kg: Younes Emami
79 kg: Mohammad Nokhodi
92 kg: Amirhossein Firouzpour
Greco-Roman Wrestling
63 kg: Ali Hajiavand
72 kg: Mohammadjavad Rezaei – Hojat Rezaei
77 kg: Amir Abdi – Alireza Abdoli
82 kg: Mohammadamin Hosseini
87 kg: Jamal Esmaeili
97 kg: Amirreza Moradian
130 kg: Fardin Hedayati

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TEHRAN (Iran News) In a message released on Saturday night, Araqchi said the team’s victory in the final of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup once again showcased the capability and dynamism of Iran and its people across the continent.

The foreign minister described the championship as a clear sign of the iron determination of a great nation to surmount obstacles and ascend to the peaks of honor.

Araqchi extended congratulations to the Iranian nation, the players and coaching staff, as well as the Football Federation and the Ministry of Sport and Youth, praising their roles in securing the prestigious title.

Iran emerged champions of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 with a 5-4 penalty shootout win after the thrilling final ended 5-5 after extra-time on Saturday.

In a hugely entertaining decider that had the fans at the Indonesia Arena on their feet throughout, Iran came from behind three times to lift the trophy for an amazing 14th time.

The foreign minister described the championship as a clear sign of the iron determination of a great nation to surmount obstacles and ascend to the peaks of honor.

Araqchi extended congratulations to the Iranian nation, the players and coaching staff, as well as the Football Federation and the Ministry of Sport and Youth, praising their roles in securing the prestigious title.

Iran emerged champions of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 with a 5-4 penalty shootout win after the thrilling final ended 5-5 after extra-time on Saturday.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The updated global futsal rankings were released following the conclusion of the Euro League, Copa América, and AFC Asian Cup competitions.

Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Iran, Argentina, Morocco, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and France occupy the top ten positions, respectively.

Iran, previously ranked fifth, climbed one spot after winning the Asian championship.

Iran has also maintained its position as Asia’s top-ranked futsal team, with Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia ranked second through fourth in the continent behind Iran.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Competing in the first UWW Greco-Roman ranking event of 2026, staged from February 4 to 8, Iran finished top of the team standings with 125 points. Uzbekistan placed second with 120 points, while Kazakhstan ranked third with 108 points.

Iran secured a total of seven medals, including three gold and four bronze. The gold medals were won by Mohammad Hosseinvand at 55 kg, Erfan Jarkani at 63 kg, and Ali Oskou at 77 kg.

Bronze medals went to Pouya Dadmarz (55 kg), Meysam Delkhani (63 kg), Mohammadreza Mokhtari (82 kg), and Mohammad Hadi Seidi (97 kg).

Despite fielding wrestlers in only seven out of 10 weight categories, the Iranian team delivered a strong and efficient performance to outscore their rivals and begin the 2026 international season with a major title at one of the UWW’s key ranking tournaments.

Iran secured a total of seven medals, including three gold and four bronze. The gold medals were won by Mohammad Hosseinvand at 55 kg, Erfan Jarkani at 63 kg, and Ali Oskou at 77 kg.

Bronze medals went to Pouya Dadmarz (55 kg), Meysam Delkhani (63 kg), Mohammadreza Mokhtari (82 kg), and Mohammad Hadi Seidi (97 kg).

Iran secured a total of seven medals, including three gold and four bronze. The gold medals were won by Mohammad Hosseinvand at 55 kg, Erfan Jarkani at 63 kg, and Ali Oskou at 77 kg.

Bronze medals went to Pouya Dadmarz (55 kg), Meysam Delkhani (63 kg), Mohammadreza Mokhtari (82 kg), and Mohammad Hadi Seidi (97 kg).

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The competition featured the world’s top athletes in the speed discipline. Mohammadreza Safdarian claimed the gold medal with a dominant display, securing first place on the podium.

His compatriot Mohsen Beheshti also advanced to the final and earned the silver medal, completing a remarkable one-two finish for Iran. The bronze medal went to an athlete from Liechtenstein.

Another Iranian representative, Mojtaba Hashemi, finished 17th in the men’s competition.

In the women’s section, Mahin Khalili achieved a respectable 10th place overall. “ice climbers”

Safdarian and Beheshti had previously demonstrated their strong form by winning gold and silver medals, respectively, at the opening round of the 2026 Ice Climbing World Cup, hosted by South Korea.

His compatriot Mohsen Beheshti also advanced to the final and earned the silver medal, completing a remarkable one-two finish for Iran. The bronze medal went to an athlete from Liechtenstein.

Another Iranian representative, Mojtaba Hashemi, finished 17th in the men’s competition.

In the women’s section, Mahin Khalili achieved a respectable 10th place overall. “ice climbers”

Safdarian and Beheshti had previously demonstrated their strong form by winning gold and silver medals, respectively, at the opening round of the 2026 Ice Climbing World Cup, hosted by South Korea.

Safdarian and Beheshti had previously demonstrated their strong form by winning gold and silver medals, respectively, at the opening round of the 2026 Ice Climbing World Cup, hosted by South Korea.

His compatriot Mohsen Beheshti also advanced to the final and earned the silver medal, completing a remarkable one-two finish for Iran. The bronze medal went to an athlete from Liechtenstein.

Another Iranian representative, Mojtaba Hashemi, finished 17th in the men’s competition.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Casablanca African Open 2026 was held in Morocco, with the participation of representatives from 42 countries, on Saturday (January 25, 2026). Iran’s national team, led by Rashad Mammadov, participated in the event with five judokas.

Parhizgar overpowered Konin Junior Emmanuel Kossan from Côte d’Ivoire and then Ivan Ferreira from Argentina. He also defeated Siem Van Damme from the Netherlands to advance to the quarterfinals and then defeated Mustafa Habib from Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the semifinals.

In the semifinals, Parhizgar achieved a valuable victory over Olivier Gagnon from Canada to advance to the final. After defeating Antonio Candreio, he secured the gold medal.

Amir-Hossein Valizadeh in 73 kg weight category was defeated by Felix from Canada.

Parhizgar overpowered Konin Junior Emmanuel Kossan from Côte d’Ivoire and then Ivan Ferreira from Argentina. He also defeated Siem Van Damme from the Netherlands to advance to the quarterfinals and then defeated Mustafa Habib from Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the semifinals.

In the semifinals, Parhizgar achieved a valuable victory over Olivier Gagnon from Canada to advance to the final. After defeating Antonio Candreio, he secured the gold medal.

Amir-Hossein Valizadeh in 73 kg weight category was defeated by Felix from Canada.

Parhizgar overpowered Konin Junior Emmanuel Kossan from Côte d’Ivoire and then Ivan Ferreira from Argentina. He also defeated Siem Van Damme from the Netherlands to advance to the quarterfinals and then defeated Mustafa Habib from Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the semifinals.

In the semifinals, Parhizgar achieved a valuable victory over Olivier Gagnon from Canada to advance to the final. After defeating Antonio Candreio, he secured the gold medal.

Amir-Hossein Valizadeh in 73 kg weight category was defeated by Felix from Canada.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Iran is scheduled to meet South Korea on Wednesday at the Al Shabab Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“This is a group with respected teams, but we have set our objective and are determined to perform well,” he said. “We are familiar with the Korea Republic game and they are very strong, but we will go out to win.”

The Central Asian side did not qualify for the 2024 edition, but its perfect showing in the Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers has boosted its confidence.

“We have very strong, talented players, and all of them are looking forward to succeeding and achieving a significant result in our first match,” he added.

“This is a group with respected teams, but we have set our objective and are determined to perform well,” he said. “We are familiar with the Korea Republic game and they are very strong, but we will go out to win.”

The Central Asian side did not qualify for the 2024 edition, but its perfect showing in the Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers has boosted its confidence.

“We have very strong, talented players, and all of them are looking forward to succeeding and achieving a significant result in our first match,” he added.

“This is a group with respected teams, but we have set our objective and are determined to perform well,” he said. “We are familiar with the Korea Republic game and they are very strong, but we will go out to win.”

The Central Asian side did not qualify for the 2024 edition, but its perfect showing in the Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers has boosted its confidence.

“We have very strong, talented players, and all of them are looking forward to succeeding and achieving a significant result in our first match,” he added.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Takhti was born in Tehran on September 5, 1930, and passed away on January 7, 1968. The anniversary of his passing has been designated as a day to honor his name and legacy.

The ceremony will be attended by veteran athletes, sports figures, young wrestlers, families, and admirers of Iran’s traditional culture of chivalry.

Takhti is remembered not only for his remarkable sporting achievements, but also for his humility, compassion, and lifelong support for the underprivileged, qualities that made him a lasting role model for generations.

Organizers say the ceremony aims to promote ethics, responsibility, and human dignity in sports and society.

Takhti won Iran’s first Olympic gold medals at the 1956 Melbourne Games, along with Imam Ali Habibi, and earned one Olympic gold and two silver medals, as well as multiple world and Asian titles. “wrestler ”

He died under suspicious circumstances at the height of his popularity, and questions surrounding his death remain unresolved decades later. His name and path, however, continue to live on in the hearts of the Iranian people.

Gholamreza Takhti won 1 gold and 2 silver medals at the Olympic Games as well as 2 gold and 2 silver medals at the World Championships, the official website of the United World Wrestling reports.

Owing to his good sportsmanship, he has been considered as one of the most beloved athletes of Iran and dubbed ‘Jahan Pahlavan’ which means ‘world champion’ in Persian language.

Takhti is remembered not only for his remarkable sporting achievements, but also for his humility, compassion, and lifelong support for the underprivileged, qualities that made him a lasting role model for generations.

Organizers say the ceremony aims to promote ethics, responsibility, and human dignity in sports and society.

Takhti won Iran’s first Olympic gold medals at the 1956 Melbourne Games, along with Imam Ali Habibi, and earned one Olympic gold and two silver medals, as well as multiple world and Asian titles. “wrestler ”

He died under suspicious circumstances at the height of his popularity, and questions surrounding his death remain unresolved decades later. His name and path, however, continue to live on in the hearts of the Iranian people.

Gholamreza Takhti won 1 gold and 2 silver medals at the Olympic Games as well as 2 gold and 2 silver medals at the World Championships, the official website of the United World Wrestling reports.

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