Members of the Iranian women's Canoe Polo team in Deqing always greet you with a calming smile. Reserved and respectful, their eyes speak louder than words.
Yet to fully digest their historic achievement, coach Nima Hojati expressed immense pride.
“We are so happy. Our target was to reach the last eight. Now, we have exceeded the expectations,” he said.
The 2024 ICF Canoe Polo World Championships saw the women in green finish fourth, their best-ever at this level.
Previously, they finished sixth at the 2010 edition in Milan and 14th in their last appearance at the flagship event in Syracuse in 2016.
Their accomplishments not only mark a significant milestone for the team but also serves as an inspiration for female athletes across the country.
The composition of this remarkable team reflects the diversity of Iran itself, with players hailing from various regions, some from distant areas far from Tehran.
Hojati emphasised the commitment of these young athletes, who have balanced intense training with their educational responsibilities.
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“We are all from different parts of Iran. For the last three months, we trained together on alternate weeks,” he said.
“Most of them are studying. It is difficult because they have other responsibilities as well.”
Captain Elahe Porabdian Limoudehi leads the team and is the most experienced member of the squad. Having participated in previous World Championships, she serves as a guiding force for her teammates.
“She is like a mother to all the other players,” Hojati joked, highlighting the captain's nurturing role and leadership qualities.
Limoudehi and Co play for Esfahan Khoroshan Canoe Club and is being sponsored by its owner Seyediman Shafiof.
Despite being an Asian powerhouse, Hojati highlighted a significant challenge: the lack of opportunities to compete against top-tier teams.
Efforts to participate in European tournaments mostly don't go through due to visa issues, limiting their exposure to elite competition.
By sealing a spot at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu — also a first — Hojati hopes people notice their potential.
“We want the world to listen to your voice. We want to experience elite competition like this so we can move forward. We have qualified for the World Games now and we are thrilled. But there is lots of work to do.”
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