World champion GHOLAMREZA TAKHTI

A great wrestler and religious minded man. Iranians remember him as world champion. He was full of honesty and integrity. He was full of kindness and love for people and mostly thought of humanity and self- sacrifice rather than championship. While winning multiple international medals, TAKHTI never lost his decency and modesty toward people. The world champion was a disciple of AYATOLLAH TALEGHANI and participated in the struggle for nationalization of Iranian oil industry. He also played a prominent role in collecting public donations for earthquake victims of BOEEN ZAHRA area. This action provoked the sensitivity of regime. Champion was in several political activities against imperial government. To control him, authorities asked him to become head of wrestling federation, but GHOLAMREZA rejected the precious post. After sometime they requested him to work as parliament member, again he refused. TAKHTI`s increasing popularity among people and opposing PAHLAVI family, kept no way to cajole him, to implement its conspiracy on his murder on 7 January 1968. Now TAKHTI is a martyr for Iranians.

BIRTH: August 27, 1930

He born in a poor family in south of Tehran. His father had 5 children, including GHOLAMREZA. Father lost his lands, because REZA KHAN wanted to build railway through them.

He had great interest in the ancient sport of wrestling. Interest and passion forced him to go to FOULAD club. And showed considerable talent. Initially started wrestling as a hobby and entertainment. But poorness forced him to go to south. Then went to compulsory military training. There, he found opportunity and concern. After returning from arm, he re attended training period. Champion says: when in 1949, I attended a major sporting event, French cup. I was knockout. Even though I intended to win the starting point. But I worked hard and hard to understand the struggle techs. I had passion to win.

With exemplary diligence exercises, he became a member of national team in 1951. Same year in Helsinki, in wrestling world championship, he became vice world champion. After that event, he was victor over 15 years with dozens of medals in international fields. In Olympic of 1952 he got six win and one loss. He was active from 1950 to 1966. Attended in 79 and 97 kg weights. Fair height of 180 cm made him so smart.

His character:

TAKHTI was quite fair when competing against rivals. For instance, once he had a match with Russian wrestler ALEXANDER MEDVED who had an injured right knee. When champion found that out the matter, he avoided the injured leg and tried to attack the other leg. He lost the match. But showed valued and honorable behavior.

Once he was heading to America for another sport competition. He turned to a reporter and said: gold and money are not worthy. I need people`s respect.

In 1962, a terrible earthquake occurred in BOEEN ZAHRA in west of Iran. TAKHTI began to walk in avenues of Tehran, asking for assistance for the victims. He inspired others to follow.

Marriage: In 1967, he married SHAHLA TAVAKOLI. In 1968, his son, BABAK was born.

Final journey:

Late champion`s dead body was found in a hotel room. The government officially proclaimed his death a suicide. He is buried in EBN E BABOYEH cemetery, where he is commemorated every year by his lovers. May God keep his soul in heaven for ever.