مدال
مدال (medâl) means “medal.” Borrowed into Persian from French medaille, itself from Italian medaglia and ultimately Latin metallum. Used for sports medals, military decorations, and honor awards alike.
Glossary
المپیک
المپیک (olampik) means “Olympic Games.” It entered Persian from Greek via European languages, derived from Olympia, the ancient Greek sanctuary where the original games were held every four years.
جامجهانی
جامجهانی (jâm-e jahâni) means “World Cup.” Both parts are pure Persian: jâm (goblet, cup) and jahâni (of the world). The biggest sporting event Iranians follow with national passion.
بوکس
بوکس (boks) means “boxing.” Borrowed from English into Persian. Iran has a strong amateur boxing tradition and has produced Olympic-level competitors.
گلف
گلف (golf) means “golf.” A direct borrowing from English into Persian. A niche sport in Iran, associated with pre-1979 elite culture and a small number of remaining courses.
پهلوانی
پهلوانی (pahlavâni) is Iran’s traditional heroic wrestling and zurkhaneh culture. A Middle Persian word denoting both the athletic practice and a moral code of strength with virtue.
شناگر
شناگر (shenâgar) means “swimmer.” Pure Persian agent noun from شنا (shenâ, swimming) plus the -gar suffix. Used for competitive swimmers and casual ones alike.
دونده
دونده (davandeh) means “runner.” Pure Persian agent noun from دویدن (davidan, to run). Covers both competitive athletes and anyone jogging in the park.
کشتیگیر
کشتیگیر (koshtigir) means a wrestler. It is a native Persian compound formed from koshti (wrestling) and gir (one who takes hold), and refers to practitioners of both freestyle and traditional Persian wrestling.
بُرد
بُرد (bord) means a win or victory. It is a native Persian noun formed from the verb bordan, meaning to carry or to win, and is the everyday word used to celebrate a sports victory.