Farnaz Panahizadeh is the first Iranian woman to become a member of the international wrestling federation’s Women and Sport Commission.
Panahizadeh is the head of the international department of the Wrestling Federation in Tehran and is the first Iranian woman to serve on a United World Wrestling commission.
ISNA reports that United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic announced the new appointment, saying: “We are pleased to have Ms. Panahizadeh join our wrestling family. We fully expect her expertise and passion for the sport to influence the participation of women athletes around the world. Wrestling will be well served to have her voice.”
The Women and Sport Commission oversees the development of women’s wrestling around the world.
Panahizadeh highlighted the importance of wrestling in Iranian culture, saying: “Wrestling is the national sport of Iran. During our history, Iranian women and men have loved wrestling, and wrestling’s heroes are part of their heritage.”
Panahizadeh went on to add: “Today, women are provided a chance to take part in wrestling in accordance with our religious and cultural values.”
Panahizadeh’s appointment follows the recent launch of Super 8 campaign which tries to highlight the role of women in wrestling.
