Cause of ImamAli Habibi's Death, Number of Wives and Children + Age

BiographyImamAli HabibiLegend of Iranian Wrestling

Full Name:ImamAli

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Last Name:Habibi

Date of Birth:June 5, 1931

Place of Birth:Darzi Kola, Babol

Occupation:Former freestyle wrestler and Iranian actor

ImamAli Habibi’s Private Life

ImamAli Habibi was born on June 5, 1931, in the village of Darzi Kola, Babol. He was one of the most decorated freestyle wrestlers in Iran, winning the gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and several world titles, making him one of Iran’s wrestling legends. After his sports career, he also worked in arts and acting.

ImamAli Habibi’s Family

ImamAli Habibi was born into a noble and rooted Mazandarani family. He was the fourth child. His father, Borjegan Habibi, was involved in farming and led a simple rural life.

ImamAli Habibi’s Marriages

He was married twice. His first marriage didn’t last due to his demanding work and frequent travels for competitions. His first wife asked him to choose between family life and wrestling; ultimately, they separated, though they had one child together.

After this separation, Habibi remarried. He always regarded his second wife as one of his most important supporters and believed she played roles like a mother and father for his children. Habibi’s second wife passed away in 2013.

ImamAli Habibi’s Children

ImamAli Habibi has three sons and two daughters, all residing outside Iran.

ImamAli Habibi’s Wrestling Career Start

ImamAli Habibi started his professional wrestling career in the early 1950s. From childhood, he was familiar with local wrestling in Mazandaran.Mazandaran(Locho) was his introduction; in 1953, he officially entered professional wrestling by participating in national championships, winning first place in Isfahan. ImamAli Habibi, along with Sultan Ali, was an inspiring figure during his era, and training with him helped Habibi develop professionally.

Youth of ImamAli Habibi — Youth Photo of ImamAli Habibi

ImamAli Habibi’s Life Journey; from Factory Work to National Wrestling Team

At 12 years old, ImamAli Habibi lost his father and moved with his mother and brothers to Shahi (present-day Qasht-e-Sharif). He initially worked in a blacksmith’s shop earning 5 rials a day, then in the Qasht-e-Sharif textile factory, where he began wrestling training under Eskandar Motavali. To compete in the 50 kg weight class, he filled his pockets with stones, defeating all opponents and becoming a provincial champion.

Habibi’s ability to learn modern wrestling was enhanced by Hobilullah Bloor’s presence in Qaemshahr. In a friendly match attended by the mayor, only Habibi’s team from the local club won, and he was immediately hired as a firefighter with a monthly salary of 1,000 rials. His talent caught the attention of coaches and national team coach Hobilullah Bloor during training at the club, leading to his selection in the national team and beginning his international career after a technical victory over world champion Abdollah Mojtabavi.

ImamAli Habibi and Hossein Yazdani

Habibi was a pioneer in this sport, and many future champions like Hassan Yazdani took inspiration from his style and techniques. Yazdani, with his world and Olympic medals, continues ImamAli Habibi’s legacy in Iranian wrestling.

ImamAli Habibi’s Honors

Gold Medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics (Iran National Team)

Gold Medal at the 1962 Toledo World Championships (Iran National Team)

Gold Medal at the 1961 Yokohama World Championships (Iran National Team)

Gold Medal at the 1959 Tehran World Championships (Iran National Team)

Gold Medal at the 1958 Tokyo Asian Games (Iran National Team)

Gold Medal at the 1340 Tehran Iranian Championships (Mazandaran Team)

Gold Medal at Rpars, 1339 (Mazandaran Team)

Gold Medal at Shiraz, 1338 (Mazandaran Team)

Gold Medal at Tehran, 1337 (Mazandaran Team)

Gold Medal at Isfahan, 1332 (Mazandaran Team)

ImamAli Habibi’s Entry into Cinema

After his shining career in wrestling, ImamAli Habibi entered the film industry in the early 1960s. His sports fame and physical abilities led him to roles centered around sports and strength, allowing him to showcase his athletic skills through art and earn a unique place in cinema.

ImamAli Habibi and Fardin

After retiring from sports, he briefly entered cinema and acted in several films. Fardin, a popular star of Iranian cinema, was also a wrestler before acting and even competed with Habibi. Later, both chose different paths in film and sports.