TEHRAN -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamanei said here Tuesday “double standards” were starkly evident during the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Paris.
The Leader met a group of Iranian medalists, athletes, coaches and organizers of Iranian sports delegations to the international multi-sport events.
“One thing which was strongly noticeable this year at the Olympic Games was the dual policies of the countries regulating international sports matters. They really showed that double standards and biased policies govern their behaviors.” 
Ayatollah Khamenei said certain countries banned a country because it had waged a war against another country, but they “refused to ban the Zionist regime from the Games despite the fact that it has killed thousands of children and massacred over 41,000 people in nearly a year”.
“These double standards and biased policies, as we have repeatedly pointed out, demonstrate that despite the assertion of sports being free from politics, the most politically driven actions are exercised in the realm of sports.”
Ayatollah Khamenei addressed Iranian officials, urging them to recognize and support athletes who, because of their national or religious beliefs, choose not to compete against representatives of the Zionist regime, saying they are making a significant sacrifice.
The Leader highlighted the remarkable abilities and the manifestation of the “national, political, and religious identity” of the Iranian nation as the foremost outcome of the Iranian athletes’ participation in these competitions.
The Leader conveyed immense joy at the opportunity to meet some of the nation’s most cherished and proud children, stating, “With your medals and behavior, you have brought joy to the hearts of the nation. I sincerely thank you, the coaches, and all those involved.”
Ayatollah Khamenei described international competitions as stages where nations showcase not only their physical strength and athletic skills but also their mental fortitude and self-confidence.
“In addition to demonstrating your professional and athletic abilities, through meaningful actions such as donating medals to children in Palestine and Gaza, maintaining your hijab and modesty, naming the delegation after the Infallible Imams and taking selfies with the Palestinian flag, you have presented and honored your spiritual capabilities as well as your national-religious and Islamic identity,” he said.
The Leader also pointed out the 
continuous efforts of ill-wishers to distort the “identity, truth, and beliefs” of the Iranian nation. 
“They claim that religious sentiments have weakened in Iran, but when our champion kisses the Qur’an in front of perhaps hundreds of millions of viewers and offers a prostration of gratitude [to God], the reality and identity of the Iranian nation, their adherence to their beliefs, and their dedication to Iran’s national greatness becomes prominent. Such remarkable signs were evident in your performance.” 
Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted the optimism that sports champions bring to society through their medal-winning achievements.
“Some individuals become despondent over a minor physical incident, but when our young athlete demonstrates strength in the Paralympics while seated in a wheelchair, it fills everyone’s hearts with hope.”
Iran ranked first among West Asian countries in terms of the total number of medals at the Paris Olympics and was recognized as the best-performing country in terms of medals per athlete.
Iran’s total of 12 medals included 3 golds, 6 silvers, and 3 bronzes. In Paris Paralympics, Iran finished in 14th place with a total of 25 medals, including 8 gold, 10 silver and 7 bronze medals.