Tehran: Abdollah Movahed, the celebrated Iranian wrestler and winner of six Olympic and world championship gold medals, passed away on April 30, 2026, at the age of 86 following a heart attack in the United States. Movahed was not only a legendary athlete but also a close friend of World Champion Gholamreza Takhti, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire many in the wrestling community.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Movahed was ranked 11th in the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame as one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of the 20th century. He was born in Babolsar, a northern city in Iran, where he initially pursued athletics in swimming, rowing, and volleyball before turning to wrestling. His first global title came at the 1965 World Championships in Manchester. Between 1965 and 1970, Movahed secured eight gold medals across the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Asian Games, marking an era of dominance in the sport.

The recently unveiled rare and previously unpublished images by the photojournalists of IRNA showcase Movahed's illustrious career. These images, preserved in the agency's photo archive, offer a glimpse into the life and times of a remarkable athlete whose contributions to wrestling are remembered and revered worldwide.