The closing ceremony of the 23rd Vahman Cup volleyball tournament was held at Yeganegi sports hall in Yazd, organized by Yaneshvaran Manthra Association.
After days of friendly yet competitive games, the 2rd round of Yaneshvaran cup ended on Monday, 22 Bahman 1403 (February 11, 2025). The closing ceremony began with the recitation of the Gathas, followed by a parade of Yaneshvaran Association members. The event also featured an award ceremony for the mini-volleyball teams. Appreciation was first extended to the mini-volleyball teams, and the cup was awarded to the mini volleyball Association and lastly, special appreciation was extended to Sepanta mini volleyball team. This year, the mini-volleyball competition was held in a festival format, and all participating teams were acknowledged.
The ceremony continued with awarding prizes to the top teams in the women’s and men’s categories, recognizing the most sportsmanlike teams, and expressing gratitude to referees, medical staff, Mehrban Sohrabi (internal manager of the organization and the Zoroastrian Youth Club of Yazd), Manouchehr Namiranian (dormitory supervisor), and the media outlets Amordad and Barsad. Additionally, the best players of the tournament were introduced.
Top Women’s Teams:
First place: Yaran Armin B
Second place: Yaran Armin Yazd
Third place: Doostan Tehran
Top Men’s Teams:
First place: Eshtad Maryamabad
Second place: Omid Zartoshtian
Third place: Parsian
Best Sportsmanship Award:
Women: Omid Organization and Zoroastrian Youth Club
Men: Zoroastrian Organization and Youth Club B
Kamyar Farzaneh, secretary of Yaneshvaran Manthra association, and Kourosh Rashidi, president of the Zoroastrian Association of Yazd, were the speakers at the closing ceremony of the Vahman Cup. Below is the speech delivered by Kamyar Farzaneh, which was shared with Amordad for publishing
Praise be to Ahura Mazda
Good evening and greetings to all the esteemed guests, athletes, and especially to the respected sports officials of the province, whom we are honored to host tonight. This year’s tournament was undoubtedly a testament to intense and spirited competition. The participating teams showed exceptional sportsmanship, creating an environment of healthy competition and excitement for volleyball enthusiasts. I express my heartfelt thanks to all the athletes for their remarkable efforts.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Behshid Barkhordar, the esteemed representative of Zoroastrians in the parliament, for her constant financial and moral support. Her efforts, alongside the follow-ups by the Yaneshvaran Manthra Association, helped secure assistance from the Minister of Sports in the final days leading up to the tournament. I also want to offer special thanks to all Zoroastrian associations, organizations, charitable institutions, and individual benefactors, who, just as in previous years, generously supported this event.
As you know, all Zoroastrian associations and organizations can receive such government assistance through their own requests, careful planning, and direct follow-ups by the Zoroastrian representative in parliament. This assistance has been provided annually, following the precedent set by previous representatives. The financial records for these contributions have always been confidential, and it is expected that this practice continues, ensuring that the funds are used responsibly and in accordance with the principles of righteousness (Asha) for the benefit of our community, free from external pressure.
It has always been our tradition to thank our fellow Zoroastrians who have supported us. We have worked tirelessly, day and night, to organize a tournament worthy of our community, and we deeply appreciate the collective effort that has made this event possible.
On behalf of myself and all the organizers, players, referees, and supporters of the Zoroastrian community, we hope that by hosting this tournament at the highest level possible, we have raised our fellow Zoroastrians’ expectations for future competitions and have set a new standard for Zoroastrian sports, leading to greater success in the future.
I would like to take a moment to express special appreciation to an outstanding individual who has dedicated years of hard work to the Zoroastrian Youth Club (Yeganeh Hall). Thanks to his efforts, we, the Zoroastrian youth, have been able to train and organize competitions here without any concerns. Throughout the course of the Vahman Cup, each of us in the Yaneshvaran Manthra Association owes much to him. As a member of this association, I am deeply grateful to Mr. Mehraban Sohrabi, and we all wish him continued happiness, health, and strength.
I also want to thank the Board of Directors of the Zoroastrian Youth Club in Yazd (Yeganeh Hall) for generously offering us their hall, free of charge, allowing us to hold the Vahman Cup once again with great pride. We are truly grateful to all of you for your constant support. May this tradition continue.
The 23rd edition of the Vahman Cup, with 16 teams competing across three categories—women’s, men’s, and mini-volleyball—began on 18 Bahman and concluded on 22 Bahman with the announcement of the top teams. The Vahman Cup is organized by the Yaneshvaran Manthra Association.
