The Bam Tragedy: Mehdi Mahdavikia: Those Who Are Fathers Can Understand the Pain of This Calamity - 2003-12-29. Two Iranian legionnaires currently playing for Hamburg in Germany and Al Ahli in the UAE have expressed their readiness to participate in a charity match featuring the selected teams of Persepolis and Esteghlal against the Olympic national team. According to the Iranian Sports News Agency (IPNA), Mahdavikia, who was emotionally affected after witnessing scenes from the Bam earthquake, stated in an interview with the agency: 'In any way I can, I want to help my compatriots to take action for a charity match, but fortunately, necessary decisions have already been made in this regard.' He expressed his happiness about the match between the red and blue selected teams and the Olympic national team, stating that he would like to participate and has gladly accepted the invitation to play. He continued: 'We all have a duty to participate in this matter. These images are truly painful; we athletes must feel more responsible because more is expected of us. Perhaps this ceremonial match will help us calm ourselves. I urge coaches, managers, and football enthusiasts to be present at the stadium on Friday.' He added: 'I think those who are fathers can understand the pain of this calamity and put themselves in the shoes of the victims; it is very hard.' Ali Karimi, a forward for Al Ahli, also expressed his readiness to participate in the match on Friday. In an interview with the football group of IPNA, Karimi said: 'On Thursday, our team has an important cup match, but I would like to come to Tehran to play in the match on Friday. If they call me and invite me, I will definitely come. I want to have a small share in this good deed. For me, just making financial contributions is not enough. To satisfy myself and calm my heart, I need to be present in such an initiative; playing can be our contribution to this good deed.' Karimi concluded: 'These people have always encouraged us and have been the reason for our progress, and now we must try to repay a part of our debt to them. We are always ashamed of them. I want to tell them that I am deeply affected and sympathize with them.'
The Bam Tragedy: Mehdi Mahdavikia: Those Who Are Fathers Can Understand the Pain of This Calamity
Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi, two Iranian footballers, are preparing to participate in a charity match to support victims of the Bam earthquake. They express a strong desire to help their compatriots and emphasize the emotional impact of the tragedy. Their involvement highlights the responsibility athletes feel towards their community in times of crisis.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi, two Iranian footballers, announced their participation in a charity match to support victims of the Bam earthquake. They expressed their emotional connection to the tragedy and the importance of giving back to their community.
- The charity match involves teams from Persepolis and Esteghlal against the Olympic national team.
- The Bam earthquake occurred in December 2003, causing significant destruction and loss of life.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Bam earthquake was one of the deadliest earthquakes in Iranian history, prompting a national and international response for aid and recovery.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%