The treasure of athletes’ medals at Imam Reza shrine’s museum rose to fame after world champion wrestler Gholamreza Takhti donated his medals to the holy shrine’s museums. Takhti’s move inspired many other Iranian athletes and scientists so that today shrine’s museums keep medals from Taekwondo, football, wrestling, track and field and some other sport fields.
Talking about the process of donation, Amir Khaleghi, director of holy shrine’s Communications and Information Office, said: “For medals to be accepted by the museum, they have to come from world, Olympic or Asian tournaments”.
Noting that number of donated medals vary each year depending on the number of competitions, Khaleghi stated: “Medals are kept in the holy shrine museum and put on display to the public after putting behind certain admission procedure. The museum also showcases medals of athletes who have passed away”.
According to the official, donors of medals enjoy the privilege of becoming shrine servant, should they request, based on the type and rank of their medals.