Government mercenaries and supporters of Ebrahim Raisi during protests in 2022

Hossein Rezazadeh

Rezazadeh is a politician and retired weightlifter. Rezazadeh is a two-time Olympic champion, four-time World Weightlifting champion, and five-time Asian champion. Rezazadeh has won the Iran Sportsperson of the Year award four times, more than any other athlete in the country’s history. Rezazadeh is widely considered one of the greatest weightlifters of all time. Before the International Weightlifting Federation reorganized the categories in 2018, he held the world record in weightlifting’s super heavyweight class in the clean and jerk. He is also one of Iran’s most noted celebrities, frequently appearing on television and in the news; his wedding, which was held in the holy city of Mecca, in February 2003 was broadcast live on state television.

Renowned weightlifter and politician, Hossein Rezazadeh, emerged as an unexpected player in the protests. With an illustrious career that includes two Olympic championships, Rezazadeh’s influence extended beyond the weightlifting arena, capturing public attention and support.

September 22, 2022 | 3:07 pm