A legend who is always with us

   Sometime ago the English Queen granted the United football club manager, Alex Fergusson the title of Sir  as she often had done in the past. The reason was said to be his success to have led Man. United to the  champion league title last year and the English premier gold twice in succession.

I just happen to think of the great legendary Jahan Pahlevan, Gholam Reza Takhti and his wonderful  accomplishments both in the world and the Olympic contests and his genuine, decent way of life that has  always filled the heart of millions of Iranians with pride and admiration. Just 37 years on this planet but he will be here forever. When the devastating earthquake of 1963 hit Qazvin and took estimated 15 thousand  lives, this man took to the streets and collected money for the survivors and the injured ones and nobody would seem to deny him help. In the international competitions, he was outstanding even though the whole establishment had been working  against him and on and on made it difficult for him. Three gold medals and six silver in the world and the   Olympic games is an incredible and also unbeatable record for any internal and foreign athletes. When he was wrestling, numerous Iranian compatriots followed his fight on the radio. He wrestled for his  country, for the Iranian flag to be raised higher and higher. He was a true ambassador for the Iranian nation  unlike those who are restrictly bound to the paper work in the embassy and have no real contact with the outside world. Jahan Pahlevan Takhti was always seen off by a lot of people at the Tehran airport chanting and clapping hands  for him both on his arrival and departure. Now it is up to the Iranian national soccer team to follow Takhti's foot steps  and obtain the Asian glory for the record of fourth time and go into history books. These players know within their  hearts that millions of Iranians will be praying for their success and will cherish for every victory.

I am absolutely sure that the team will be seen off by many Iranians at the airport on their way to Lebanon and  when they return with the cup to Iran, there will be the same show on the streets of major cities like the time of  qualification to the world cup in France 98.

Faramarz Bagheri S.

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