Iran National Swimming Team Coach: Participation in Asian Championship Finals is Not Out of Reach

The coach of the Iran national swimming team described the physical condition of the Iranian athletes as good for participating in the Asian age group championships in Macau. According to ISNA, Behzad Khabbazian added that the national swimming team is currently undergoing its final training phase and is ready to depart for the competition. Regarding the swimmers' records, he stated that most of them have improved their records from last year, and we are very hopeful to see some of them among the finalists. This national coach mentioned that the Iran national swimming team previously won 5 Asian medals through Mohammad Nazari, Mohammad Alirezaei, and Hamidreza Mobarez in the last edition of the competition, expressing hope for winning more medals than last year. He emphasized that Asian countries are increasingly turning to swimming and strengthening it, stating that all participating swimmers have a chance for success if they perform at their level. He also discussed the presence of the Iran national swimming, diving, and water polo teams in other Asian competitions, noting that the Asian Open Swimming Championships will be held next year in Qatar, and this year only the age group championships are taking place. The coach pointed out that the lack of interest from teenagers and families in basic sports has led to a shortage of elite talents in swimming, similar to other basic sports, hindering the identification of new talents and the utilization of more young forces. Khabbazian continued that swimming is a highly scientific sport dependent on sports technology and facilities, and the lack of these in the country, which is evident in all sports, particularly in swimming that requires pools, is more pronounced. The Iran national swimming teams will participate in the age groups under 14, 17, and open categories with Hamid Rabiei, Hadi Bayat, Mohsen Abedali, Mohammad Nazari, Hooman Riahi, and Mohammad Alirezaei.