In the middle of the coronavirus menace when the entire world socially distancing themselves, two former Olympic wrestling champions from Iran are setting an example like no one else. Epitomizing the real Olympic Values of “spirit of friendship and solidarity”, 1996 Olympic champion Rasoul Khadem and 2012 London Olympic gold winner Komeil Ghasemi are going all out to support the country-mates struggling with spread of Covid-19.
The former champion wrestler from Iran in bid to defeat Coronavirus decided to visit cities in Gilan province to help doctors and nurses deployed in the region. Despite of enjoying immense popularity and cult like following in the Wrestling mad nation, they can be seen unloading supplies and equipment from trucks for the health-workers in need on the streets of Gilan.
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Iran’s health workers are on the front lines of the country’s battle with the coronavirus, which according to official figures has claimed the lives of about 850 Iranians and infected more than 15,000. But many of them lack protective wear to keep them safe while treating infected patients. The situation is said to be particularly dire for health-care workers in the northern province of Gilan, one of Iran’s coronavirus epicenters, where at least five doctors and three nurses have died recently of the COVID-19 disease.
Seeing this situation the former Olympic champions decided to support the health workers, doctors and nurses with new equipment for fighting COVID-19. The legendary Iranian grapplers also visited the local hospital.
“We are fortunate that we could support our country-mates at the time of the need. We urge everyone to come out and support the people in need. This is the need of the hour.” said Khadem who won the 1996 Olympic Gold in Atlanta in 90kg category.
komeilghasemi, ?? Olympic champion and member of UWW athlete commission, is joined by Olympic champion Rasoul Khadem as they visit cities in Gilan province to help provide doctors and nurses with new equipment for fighting COVID-19.
Iran has been heavily affected by the pandemic. They are one of the few countries outside China to register most Coronavirus cases.
