Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic used to hold regular meetings with sportsmen and recommended them to decorate themselves with moral qualities and undertake efforts for the welfare of the Muslim societies.
Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution under leadership of Imam Khomeini, Iran made dramatic progress in several fields including sports. Iranians players have won several gold medals in the world cups and Olympics in recent decades.
Eulogizing the status of great athletes and champions he conducted that how the ethics of championship can lead man to spiritual self-training.
Imam himself during youth-hood was familiar with different types of traditional sports such as climbing, swimming, archery, wrestling, playing chaugan and horse riding.
The great founder of Islamic republic recommended Iranian sportsmen by physical training they should gain spiritual virtues and Excellency. Ethics and morality in sport, Imam explained, are superior to simply winning.