Iranian Boxer Seeks Freedom: Flees Iran in Search of Opportunity to Fight

Sadaf Khadem is a determined young woman with the world at her fingertips. Three nights a week, she can be found training hard at her boxing club in Royan on the south-west coast of France, aspiring to one day reach professional status. It is a journey full of courage and resilience – Sadaf has forfeited her homeland Iran for the chance to pursue her dreams. Her posters pinned to the club walls bear testament to this determination. Back in Tehran, she used to practice shadowboxing in parks discreetly, as women are not allowed to box there. Thanks to contacts within the Iranian diaspora in France and a bout set up in Royan in 2019, Sadaf was able to take a step closer towards her dreams – inspiring us all that anything is possible with dedication and courage!

When the boxing match between Sadaf and her opponent was announced, people in the community were unlikely to think Franck Weus had what it took to make it happen. But as president of the local boxing club, that’s exactly what he did, thanks to his unshakable commitment and dedication. With around 40% of boxers in his club being women, Franck set out on a mission to support female empowerment through sports. Incredibly, he succeeded in raising funds to bring Sadaf over for the fight, bringing awareness to the many talented female athletes in their community and drawing an audience of 1,500 spectators. Franck’s triumph continues to serve as an inspiring example across the country that anything is possible with hard work, determination and dedication.

Ali was inspired to take this job after learning of the challenges that Iranian women face when it comes to boxing. Despite the violence and injustice they have experienced, these courageous women have maintained their dreams and ambitions of following their passion. Subsequently, he was eager to join a team making a difference in this arena. Ali believes that part of being an athlete is more than just competing; it’s about enabling people to make their voices heard, undermining cultural norms, and standing up for their rights. His enthusiasm for helping these powerful individuals on their journey serves as motivation for him each day.

Mahsa Amini’s tragic death may have been the spark that ignited a revolution in Iran, but it is the passion and courage of young people across the country that continue to fuel it. Despite the immense pressure from authorities and even executions of some protest participants, these passionate youths remain undaunted in their mission to be heard, standing up for what they believe in and insisting on their right to be treated as equals. Through their incredible fortitude, they demonstrate an unrivaled power of the human spirit; a power so powerful it will not be silenced. It really is remarkable to witness such unwavering determination and commitment, even in the face of adversity. The courage displayed by these brave young protestors should serve as an inspiration to us all.

When Sadaf Khadem stepped off of the plane after winning her boxing bout, she had every reason to celebrate. But instead, she was met with a harsh reality: potential arrest in her home country of Iran because she did not practice her sport while wearing a veil or hijab. Despite this incredible hardship and immense pressure, Sadaf made the brave decision to turn back and remain in France. Now, she fiercely advocates for women’s rights in sports and inspires others by proclaiming that “we don’t have accidents in life”. Her courage stands as an example and source of inspiration for countless people and is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

Despite the challenge and immense personal cost, Sadaf has chosen to follow her pursuit of freedom by self-imposed exile for over three years. This has meant that she could only visit with her father and siblings once a year in Turkey or Dubai, but heartbreakingly meant not being able to be at her mother’s side when she died from Covid in Iran. But despite the risks inherent in fighting for freedom back home, Sadaf never falters in her mission – finding courage and humanity in France that was unavailable to her living at home, and advocating for human rights to be restored in Iran. She is undeterred despite not knowing potential consequences of returning home, instead she serves as an inspiration to others hoping for a brighter future within their own countries.