Soraya Aghaei Makes History as Iran's First Woman to Join IOC

• Soraya Aghaei becomes IOC’s first female member from Iran
• She is elected as 107^th member with a decisive 95-2 mandate
• The appointment aligns with IOC’s women-led leadership shift

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, elected Soraya Aghaei as its first female member from Iran. Marking a milestone for global sports governance, Soraya also emerged as the youngest representative currently on the body.

Inducted as the 107th member of the IOC with a decisive 95-2 vote, she also marks just Iran’s third presence on the body and its first in over two decades. The move is seen as one that redefines women’s representation, allowing the IOC to expand its ranks with Iran’s first female appointee.

Entry into the IOC remains highly selective, bringing together former Olympians, global sports leaders, royalty, statespersons, diplomats, industrialists, and even an Academy Award–winning actress. Ushering in a new chapter of inclusion and youth, her appointment aligns with a leadership era led by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, as women now comprise nearly half of the committee.

From athlete to global decision-maker, Soraya has been instrumental in breaking stereotypical barriers. She attributes being Iran’s first female badminton Olympian, competing at the Tokyo Games in 2021. The nation’s last badminton Olympian before her was Kaveh Mehrabi in 2008, now heading the IOC’s Athletes’ Department.