Seyed Ahmad Seyed Bagheri, in a knowledge-enhancement session on sports during the Sacred Defense held at the SSRI, shared his operational memories and experiences.

He clarified the role of sports in physical fitness, morale, combat skills, and the success of the fighters, emphasizing the importance of conveying these experiences to the current generation.

He mentioned that in the early years of the war, sports were not widely recognized, but the operational necessities and critical conditions revealed its importance for preparing fighters. Unfortunately, sports activities related to the Sacred Defense had not been seriously documented or promoted, and this session aims to highlight the role of sports and services provided on the fronts.

Seyed Bagheri noted the extensive swimming training provided to fighters in collaboration with the Physical Education Organization and under the direction of Mr. Mohsen Rezaei. All provincial swimming pools were made available for training approximately fifty thousand people. In the absence of pools, oil ponds and shallow waters were used, where fighters learned swimming techniques like freestyle and individual skills to overcome water obstacles.

He gave examples of naval operations such as the capture of Iraqi Al-Amiyah docks, where trained fighters swam and dived under enemy observation to collect operational intelligence, ensuring mission success. In operations like Valfajr and crossing dangerous rivers, fighters could swim 600 meters to one kilometer to seize enemy shores.

Seyed Bagheri also pointed out the role of traditional martial arts (Zurkhaneh and Pahlevani sports) in boosting troop morale at the frontlines and rear. Notable athletes and martyrs like Ebrahim Hadi and Saeed Toghani created an environment of vitality and strengthened fighters' spirits despite harsh war conditions. Around 120 traditional athletes contributed valuable services in this regard.