Nagoya:First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has extended his congratulations to Iranian athletes for securing 52 medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also praised the national volleyball team for maintaining its championship status in the Games. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Aref emphasized that Iran's impressive medal tally, which includes 19 gold, 18 silver, and 15 bronze medals, serves as a boost to national morale and unity. He highlighted the importance of these achievements in fostering hope and solidarity among the Iranian people. He expressed pride in the athletes, their coaches, and the wider sporting community, acknowledging the determined effort and skill displayed by the Iranian competitors. Separately, Araghchi lauded the Iranian men's volleyball team for their victory over Japan, winning 3-1 in the final. This victory secured their fourth consecutive Asian Games gold medal in volleyball. Araghchi commended the team's ability to uphold Iran' s prominent position in Asian volleyball and their successful defense of the title at this prestigious international competition. Iran's volleyball team reached the final without a single defeat, ultimately overcoming the host nation, Japan, to clinch yet another gold medal in the sport.