BiographyReza Sookhteh Saraei
Name:Reza
Last Name:Sookhteh Saraei
Date of Birth:February 1, 1950
Place of Birth:Darkolat Ramin
Profession:Wrestler and Honored Hero
Date of Death:Sunday, August 24, 2025
Who is Reza Sookhteh Saraei?
Reza Sookhteh Saraei, a prominent heavyweight wrestler and flag bearer of Iran’s sports delegation in three Asian Games, was born on February 1, 1950. This distinguished wrestler, skilled in both freestyle and Greco-Roman styles, lived for 76 years.
Where is Reza Sookhteh Saraei from?
Reza Sookhteh Saraei was born in Darkolat-e Ramin. Darkolat or Darkala is a village in the Fandesk district of Ramin County, Golestan Province, Iran.
Reza Sookhteh Saraei’s wife and children
Late Reza Sookhteh Saraei was married. The number of his children is unknown, but his son Ali Sookhteh Saraei is mentioned as his son. He has spoken about his father’s illness in an interview.
The peak of Reza Sookhteh Saraei’s sports career
Reza Sookhteh Saraei’s championship years were in the 1980s, a time when Iran had limited participation in international competitions due to the Iran-Iraq war. Unfortunately, this prevented him from competing in several World Championships (1979, 1983, 1986, 1987) and the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Reza Sookhteh Saraei and Alireza Soleimani in wrestling
Reza Sookhteh Saraei’s wrestling footage onSocial MediaHe was a rival and close friend of the late Alireza Soleimani. During the 1986 Asian Games, Sookhteh Saraei decided to compete in the Greco-Roman heavyweight category so that Soleimani could participate in freestyle wrestling for the national team. Both won gold medals.
Reza Sookhteh Saraei, an Iranian hero wrestler
Along with his successes in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, Reza Sookhteh Saraei was highly skilled in Pahlevani wrestling and earned the title of “Capital’s Pahlevan” (Hero wrestler) in his sports career.
Reza Sookhteh Saraei’s Honors
Below are the medals and honors of the late Reza Sookhteh Saraei, including:
Reza Sookhteh Saraei’s Gold Medal at the Asian Games
Sookhteh Saraei not only served as Iran’s flag bearer at the 1982, 1986, and 1990 Asian Games, but also won gold medals in all three editions.
Most Successful Athlete in Iran’s Sports History
Reza Sookhteh Saraei also earned a silver medal at the 1974 Tehran Asian Games. With three golds and one silver, he is among the most decorated athletes in Iran’s Asian Games history.
Silver Medal at World Championships
He also shined internationally, winning two silver medals in the heavyweight category at the 1978 Mexico City and 1981 Skopje World Championships for Iran.
Reza Sookhteh Saraei’s Illness
He battled heart and kidney problems. After a lifetime of achievements, he peacefully passed away.
Reza Sookhteh Saraei Passes Away
Reza Sookhteh Saraei, one of Iran’s most decorated wrestlers, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, after enduring a long illness.
