Iranian wrestlers are beefing up their preparations for the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics, where the team's coaches and athletes say they are aiming for new heights.
While the country competes across many different sports, it is wrestling that holds its attention. Roman and freestyle wrestling are a source of national pride, accounting for more than half of Iran's Olympic medals.
Iran is one of the strongest teams in the world when it comes to wrestling. The country holds 76 Olympic medals, and its wrestlers have won nearly 50 of them.
Since the Islamic Republic was established in the late 1970s, Iran has won medals in wrestling in all the summer games it's taken part in, and the national team plans to continue this legacy in France.
"It's a very big responsibility to coach Iran's national team. People have the right to expect a lot from the wrestling team, especially our roman wrestlers. All the athletes in our Olympic delegation also expect a lot from us. And I'm hopeful that our six wrestlers can meet the people's expectations," said Hassan Rangraz, coach of the Iranian National Roman Wrestling Team.
Amin Azazadeh is one of the hopefuls this year in the 120-plus kilogram weight category. Ranked number one on the United World Wrestling 2024 list, he is set to compete for gold.
"In the previous Olympics I ranked fifth, but I'm hopeful about winning gold in the coming Olympics. We've definitely faced hard training days due to the importance of this Olympic Games, which are only held every four years. It needs precise planning. My strongest competitors are from Cuba, Türkiye, Russia, and of course the others are also good. No one goes to the Olympics to lose. We are all there to win," he said.
Trophies Iran's national wrestling team has won throughout its history surround the players as they train.
On the walls of the hall, pictures of World and Olympic champions look over the wrestlers to inspire them to new heights.
On their journey to prepare for the Olympics, Iran's national wrestling team has won medals in all the competitions they've participated in over recent months.
The country appears to be on the right track. Its wrestlers won 11 tickets for the Olympics out of the 12 maximum seats set for each country in both Roman and freestyle wrestling.
Iranian wrestlers aim high as they grapple with Olympic training
The latest U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles are expected to increase uncertainty in global supply chains and could significantly impact automakers around the world, including those in Germany, German experts said recently.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to impose 25 percent tariffs on all imported vehicles, starting from Thursday, while tariffs on auto parts will be fully implemented by May 3.
As one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers, Germany's automotive industry relies heavily on international markets, with the United States serving as a key export destination.
Industry insiders warn that the recent move by the U.S. is likely to increase uncertainty in global market and could have a significant impact on automakers worldwide, including those in Germany.
In a statement released on Thursday, Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, criticized the U.S. imposition of 25 percent additional tariffs on the automotive industry, calling it a serious blow to global supply chains that could create uncertainty for German car companies and their investments in the U.S.
Trump's policy is not "America First," but "America Isolated," and this protectionist approach will only lead to more losers, ultimately impacting American consumers, businesses, and the global economy, said Müller.
Omer Sahin Ganiyusufoglu, a member of German National Academy of Science and Engineering, said that the tariffs will increase the cost of manufacturing vehicles. Consequently, American consumers will face higher car prices, making it difficult for anyone to win.
"Tariff policies can be implemented swiftly, but it's important to carefully assess their effects. When tariffs are imposed on imported goods, the burden usually falls on consumers or businesses. These tariffs don't genuinely benefit the domestic population, and people will eventually recognize this," said Ganiyusufoglu.
"The U.S. will come to realize that in trying to throw a stone at others, it has ended up hurting itself and damaging its own citizens," he added.
Industry insiders note that the global automotive industry is at a crucial turning point in electrification and digital transformation, with technological innovation and supply chain restructuring as key development focuses. However, the recent U.S. tariff policy creates market uncertainty, prompting companies to reevaluate their global strategies.
US tariff move sparks criticism, concern in Germany
