In Iran, several thousand female boxers train illegally and secretly in the basements of houses, parks and underground clubs. In Iran, boxing is forbidden for women, but athletes compete in world championships abroad and often win. Dr. Mahin Farhadizad, Deputy Minister of Sports in President Rouhani's government, said about the ban on such sports as boxing and powerlifting for women: "We cannot accept a sport that affects the entire body system and physiology of women."
Boxing is a forbidden sport
Series, Jury Honorable Mention
Tanaz Memarian, a 29-year-old boxer, is training in an underground club in Tehran, Iran. Tanaz is getting ready for a competition that will be held outside Iran in near future. January 22, 2021.
Tara Hajyousef, a 32-year-old boxer, is training in a park in Tehran, Iran. May 8, 2021.
Nastaran, a 30-year-old boxer, lifts a punching bag in an underground club in Tehran, Iran. January 8, 2021.
Nastaran’s refrigerator door has pictures of her fights. She has participated in five international competitions and won all of her matches. January 8, 2021, Tehran.
Lida's mother enters the house with bread during a training season. Lida Rezaei, a 30-year-old boxer, is teaching boxing to her daughter in an underground club. September 4, 2021, Tehran.
Boxers Maryam Jahanpour, 21, and Mahya Hosseini, 15, hug each other after a training session at an underground boxing club. September 4, 2021, Tehran.
Helia, 19, hugs her boyfriend after boxing in the Verdij Mountains. August 1, 2021, Tehran.
Nastaran Aliabadi, 21, is training in a private club. January 7, 2021, Tehran.
Punching bag chains hang from the ceiling at an underground club. September 4, 2021, Tehran.
Mahya Hosseini, 15, examines her eyes in the mirror after a training session at the club. September 4, 2021, Tehran.