Soraya Aghaei has become the first female member from Iran to join the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and also the youngest current member of the body. She was elected by a 95-2 vote, becoming the 107th IOC member and only the third Iranian representative in the committee’s history. Her election marks a notable development in IOC representation, particularly for women and for Iran’s presence in global sports governance.
IOC Membership and Election
The IOC is an exclusive global sports body that includes former athletes, sports administrators, diplomats, industrialists, royalty and other distinguished personalities. Aghaei’s induction adds to the committee’s growing diversity. Women now account for 45% of IOC membership. Her eight-year term will give her a role in major decisions, including the selection of the host city for the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Profile of Soraya Aghaei
Aghaei is 30 years old and serves on the athletes’ commission of the Iranian Olympic body. She competed in badminton at the Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympics, becoming Iran’s first female Olympian in badminton. Her election also reflects the increasing visibility of women athletes from Iran in international sport.
Significance for Iran and the IOC
Aghaei is the first Iranian IOC member since 2004. Her entry comes at a time when the IOC is led by Kirsty Coventry, the first female president in the organisation’s 132-year history. The same meeting also saw 31-year-old Samira Asghari of Afghanistan re-elected for a second term, making Aghaei’s election part of a wider shift towards younger and more diverse representation in Olympic governance.
Related Olympic Background
Iran’s earlier Olympic badminton representation was limited. Before Aghaei, the country’s badminton presence at the Olympics was associated with Kaveh Mehrabi, who competed at Beijing 2008 and later became director of the IOC athletes’ department. Aghaei’s election strengthens Iran’s profile in the international Olympic movement.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026