With great enthusiasm and a vibrant atmosphere, the 20th Nowruz Pentathlon Tournament took place at the Ariana Cinema Hall, a cultural space supported by the Zoroastrian community of Shiraz.
The event began at 5 PM on Tuesday, 11th Farvardin 1404, featuring eight teams competing in a double-elimination format. Each team consisted of three men and two women, participating in a series of five dynamic challenges that tested both teamwork and individual skill—ranging from a combined speed and accuracy game, to the playful “Colorful Bottle Captain”, a relay race, a classic tug of war, and an engaging disc curling event. Judges Shahram Pourdehi and Parnian Koklari oversaw the competition, which lasted nearly five hours and was filled with spirited cheering and high energy from both players and spectators.
The event opened with all attendees joining hands to recite the Avesta, a traditional prayer for unity, followed by a briefing from the referees on the rules and expectations for each round. A fun and symbolic contest was also held for the children present during intermission, where they enthusiastically completed their own mini challenges to the loud encouragement of the crowd. Prizes were immediately awarded by Shabnam Pourdehi, head of the Sports Commission of the Zoroastrian Association of Shiraz. In a gripping final match that went all the way to the fifth round, Team “Mamamia Mamasita” from Kerman—featuring Mehrshad Bakhtiari, Abtin Zandkhavari, Farshid Ziyatabari, Tertiti Ziyatbari, and Helia Goshtasbian—emerged victorious over Team “New Folder” with a 3–2 win, earning the championship title with teamwork, skill, and high spirits.
Team “New Folder”, featuring Farshad Jamshidi, Shervin Kavousi, Parsa Dahmobad, Pourchista Rashidi, and Mahtab Goshtasbian, claimed second place after an intense showdown in the final. Team “Parsian”, made up of Parviz Damehri, Farnam Iraji, Peyman Goshtasbi, Parisa Koklari, and Arnika Bahmardi, secured third place. Following an injury in the second round, Arash Sohrabi from Parsian was replaced by Parviz Mehri for the remainder of the competition. At the closing ceremony, Shabnam Pourdehi Zeinabad, head of the Shiraz Zoroastrian Sports Commission, presented commemorative plaques and awards to the top teams. The event host highlighted the vibrant presence of participants and the importance of fostering cultural connection through sport, also offering special thanks to the spirited delegation from Kerman, who entered the tournament with four teams. Mahtab Goshtasbian served as the coordinator for this year’s competition, which continues a tradition that began in 1380 (2001) and has become an annual Nowruz celebration in Shiraz.
