In a story of resilience and courage, Iranian rower Kimia Zarei overcame the horrors of war to clinch gold in the women’s lightweight double sculls at the Asian Games 2026.

For 45 days, Zarei trained alone at home on an ergometer, often rowing to the sound of nearby explosions. “Every day, try to row, try to have training sessions on erg, and connect with teammates online,” she recalled. Despite the chaos, she paired with Zeinab Norouzi to deliver a stunning victory for Iran.

The Iranian rowing team, scattered across war‑torn cities, improvised their training by taking equipment home and staying connected virtually. For Zarei, the determination to keep going — even as smoke rose outside her window — became the foundation of her success.

Her triumph is more than a medal; it is a symbol of perseverance against unimaginable odds. Zarei’s journey highlights the power of sport to inspire hope, even in the darkest times.