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Iran's Soraya Aghaei Becomes First Female IOC Member

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Soraya Aghaei, an Iranian badminton player, was elected on February 4, 2026 as Iran’s first female IOC member.
She won 95-2 and will serve an eight-year term, including voting on the 2036 host.
Aghaei is 30 years old, the youngest IOC member, and the third Iranian representative since 2004.
The IOC is 45% female and led by Kirsty Coventry (IOC president), raising questions about Iran's treatment of women in sports.

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Story summary

Soraya Aghaei, an Iranian badminton player, was elected on February 4, 2026 as Iran’s first female IOC member.
She won 95-2 and will serve an eight-year term, including voting on the 2036 host.
Aghaei is 30 years old, the youngest IOC member, and the third Iranian representative since 2004.
The IOC is 45% female and led by Kirsty Coventry (IOC president), raising questions about Iran's treatment of women in sports.