Gholamreza Takhti
Gholamreza Takhti (Persian: غلامرضا تختی, August 27, 1930 – January 7, 1968), sometimes Gholam-Reza, Gholam Reza, or Qolam Reza, is the most famous wrestler in Iranian history. He was most famous for his chivalrous behaviour and sportsmanship, and he continues to symbolize the essence of sports to the Iranian people.Contents [hide]
1 His Early Life
2 His Character
3 His Death
4 External links
5 References
His Early Life
Takhti was born in Tehran, Iran (Persia) on August 27, 1930. Takhti's family was poor, leaving Takhti with only 9 years of schooling. But he was recognized as a natural athlete and was taken into the Poolad gymnasium for further training.
His Character
In 1961, a terrible earthquake occurred in Boein Zahra in western Iran, killing 45,000. Takhti was deeply touched by the suffering. Already one of Iran's biggest stars, he began to walk one of the main avenues of Tehran, asking for assistance for the victims. He inspired other champions to follow in his footseps, and thousands gave to alleviate the suffering.
Another example of his character comes from a match in Moscow. After defeating the then world champion Anatoli Albul, Takhti saw the sorrow on the face of Albul's mother. Takhti went to her and said, "I'm sorry about the result, but your son is a great wrestler." She smiled and kissed him.
And another memory of him that clarifies his character more: Once he has a match with a Russian wrestler who was feeling injured in his right knee. When Takhti found out he's weak on one leg, he never attacked his competitor's injured leg & tried to catch the other leg. It shows that he valued honourable behaviour more than reaching victory.
The same Russian wrestler in return visited Takhtis grave for many years in Iran.
Gholamreza TakhtiStatistics
Ring name(s)
Born / August 27, 1930(1930-08-27)
Tehran, Iran
Died / January 7, 1968 (aged37)
Tehran, Iran
Medal record
Competitor for Iran
Men’s Freestyle Wrestling
Olympic Games
Gold / 1956 Melbourne / 87 kg
Silver / 1952 Helsinki / 79 kg
Silver / 1960 Rome / 87 kg
World Championships
Gold / 1959 Tehran / 87 kg
Gold / 1961 Yokohama / 87 kg
Silver / 1951 Helsinki / 79 kg
Silver / 1962 Toledo / 97 kg
Asian Games
Gold / 1958 Tokyo / 87 kg
His Death
Takhti was found dead in his hotel room on January 7, 1968. The Iranian government officially proclaimed his death a suicide. However, some claim that he was murdered because of his political activities against the Pahlavi regime, accusing Savak, the Iranian intelligence agency at that time.[citation needed] He is buried at Ebn-e Babooyeh cemetery in Southern part of Tehran, near Shahr-e Ray, where he is commemorated every year by his fans, even now many years after his death. He was survived by his wife and son, Babak Takhti, an author and translator. The movie Takhti, begun by Ali Hatami and finished by Behrouz Afkhami, examined some of the theories about Takhti's death.[citation ne
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