In a knowledge enhancement session on sports during the Sacred Defense at the Research Institute of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Ms. Elhakam, sister of a martyr, shared her memories from her teenage years during the Iran-Iraq war

. She highlighted the significant role of women in cultural, relief, and sports activities during the war and the remarkable growth of women's sports after the Sacred Defense.

She recalled that while many brothers were at the frontlines, women played vital roles behind the scenes despite her young age of twelve at the time. Her generation grew up amidst the war and revolutionary atmosphere which deeply influenced their lives.

Women in schools were interested in sports like gymnastics and athletics. After the war broke out, activities began in mosques and Basij organizations involving ideological education, first aid, journalism, photography, and self-defense training to enable women to contribute alongside men.

Although women’s sports during the Sacred Defense years had limited resources and no international competitions, the Women's Sports Organization was established in 1981 (1360 in the Iranian calendar). Women's national teams formed after the war ended in 1989 (1368) and began competing on international stages, starting with preparatory tournaments in Beijing, where Iranian women performed commendably despite limited experience.

Ms. Elhakam noted the gradual progress from seventh place in Asia to reaching third place, attributing success to faith, effort, and institutional support. Initially, female coaches and referees were few, but today over sixteen thousand female referees and thirty-five thousand female coaches actively participate in various sports disciplines.

She emphasized that women's sports developed steadily post-war, and today Iranian women in sports such as taekwondo, athletics, wrestling, and shooting achieve world-class honors. As the Supreme Leader noted, Iranian women's sports manifest a blend of power and spirituality, reflecting determination, faith, and ethics on the international stage.