In the recent World Weightlifting Championships, Alireza Moein, the sole representative of the province in the national team, managed to secure a silver medal in the snatch. Although Moein couldn’t clinch medals in the clean and jerk or total, the emergence of this new talent from Lenjan has once again brought the weightlifting-rich city into the spotlight. The city’s recent initiative of unveiling a welcome sign declaring “Welcome to Lenjan, the Capital of Iranian Weightlifting” has garnered significant attention on social media. This event provides an opportunity to revisit the accomplishments of Lenjan’s weightlifting champions who, over the past two decades, have secured the city’s title as the weightlifting capital through their international successes.
Rashid Sharifi: This weightlifter gained prominence in Iranian sports during a time when Hussain Rezazadeh dominated the super heavyweight category, overshadowing other lifters. Sharifi’s first significant achievement was winning a medal at the Asian Championships, but his participation in the 2008 Olympics was undoubtedly the most pivotal moment of his career. Iran had high hopes for Rezazadeh to win gold in that Olympics, but due to his diabetes, he was forced to retire. With the Olympics just around the corner, young Rashid Sharifi was hastily included in the national team as a replacement. Although expectations were not high given the short notice, Sharifi competed in this grand event. After his competitive career, Sharifi transitioned into coaching, nurturing young talent in his hometown, with Rasul Motamedi being one of his notable pupils.
Sohrab Moradi: Simultaneously with Rashid Sharifi’s Asian medal, his fellow townsman, Sohrab Moradi, also claimed a medal, showcasing the remarkable achievements of Isfahan’s weightlifting community in a single event. This competition marked the beginning of Moradi’s ascent, and he subsequently secured a spot on Iran’s team for the 2012 London Olympics. High hopes were pinned on Moradi’s medal prospects, but injuries and other setbacks prevented him from achieving success in London.
Following the London Olympics, Moradi’s misfortunes continued with a positive doping test, leading to a suspension that caused quite a stir. However, Moradi’s determination to redeem himself overcame all obstacles, and at the Rio Olympics, an event that Isfahan’s sports enthusiasts had awaited for half a century unfolded. Sohrab clinched the gold medal in the 96 kg category, firmly linking the city of Isfahan’s greatest sporting triumph to Lenjan. Moradi, now a coach, was also considered for the Paris Olympics but ultimately did not make the team. His brother, Ayub Moradi, was briefly invited to the national team’s training camps but could not maintain a consistent presence.
Rasoul Motamedi: This weightlifter from Lenjan made a name for himself in Iranian sports at a young age, with experts predicting a bright future for him. Motamedi progressed to the senior level and became a world champion, setting records that placed high hopes on him for a medal at the Paris Olympics. However, a timely injury sidelined him from competitions for nearly a year, causing him to miss the opportunity to qualify for the Olympics. Given his age, Motamedi still has a chance to compete in one or two more Olympic Games.
Alireza Moini: Moini can be considered the newest face of national weightlifting from Lenjan. His father, Iraj Moini, is a renowned coach from the city who has guided his son towards success. Moini, one of Iran’s promising young talents, lifted an impressive 180 kg at the national championships last year, establishing himself as a new contender in his weight class. His participation in the World Championships and his subsequent medal win mark a powerful start to a journey similar to that of his fellow townsman, Sohrab Moradi.
