Deputy Minister of Science Emphasizes Strengthening University Sports for Social Vitality / Necessity of Special Attention to Women's Sports

The Deputy Minister of Science, Research and Technology and the Head of the Student Affairs Organization, at the closing ceremony of the Women's Student Sports Olympiad in Mashhad, stated that sports are the best and most cost-effective tool for confronting negative news and fostering vitality in society, emphasizing: "University sports are the primary platform for identity building and hope generation for the young generation, and strengthening it is a fundamental step towards preventing and reducing social harms."

According to the Public Relations of the Ministry of Science, quoting the Student Affairs Organization, Dr. Saeed Habiba, the Deputy Minister of Science and Head of the Student Affairs Organization, at the closing ceremony of the 17th Cultural and Sports Olympiad for female students of universities and higher education institutions, hosted by Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, while appreciating the round-the-clock efforts of the university officials, the organizing committee, and the servants of student sports, stated: "Until 2020, a separate budget line for university sports was defined in the national budget. Unfortunately, the removal of this line has posed challenges for universities in meeting even minimal sports expenses. Currently, organizing such grand events is managed solely through consultations and reliance on the universities' own dedicated revenues."

He pointed to the role of sports in reducing social harms and injecting vitality into society, adding: "In a situation where society needs hope and a cheerful atmosphere more than ever, and negative news is being pumped by enemies, sports are the most cost-effective and effective solution for identity building, fostering vitality, and enhancing the mental health of students. Accordingly, the revival and re-approval of an independent budget line for university sports in the annual budget bill will be of great importance."

Dr. Habiba, in another part of his speech, referred to the severe shortage of specialized human resources in university physical education departments, saying: "The achievements and medal-winning of female students in intense and demanding competitions demonstrate their high determination and brilliant talent; however, supporting these talents requires specialized management and the presence of experienced coaches. Unfortunately, according to available statistics, out of the total approved physical education positions in 109 public universities, approximately 300 positions are vacant and unfilled."

He announced the organization's intensive consultations to address this challenge and emphasized: "Correspondence and expert meetings have commenced with the Administrative and Employment Organization of the country to enable us to organize the management and coaching infrastructure of university sports through the recruitment of specialized personnel."

70 Percent Share of Female Students and the Necessity of Special Attention to Women's Sports

The Deputy Minister of Science, recalling the demographic composition of universities, noted: "Currently, in some universities across the country, girls constitute 60 to 70 percent of the student population. Our students, with minimal facilities, bring the highest achievements to the country."

Dr. Habiba concluded by emphasizing: "The development of girls' sports requires a supportive and special approach. We hope that with the cooperation of the government and parliament, a ground will be provided for the deserving daughters of Islamic Iran to shine even more brightly in national and international arenas."