Atusa Golshadnezad, the Iranian world and Asian karate champion, has declined her role as Iran's flag bearer at the upcoming Asian Games-2026 in Nagoya.
Previously, Golshadnezad and kabaddi player Fazel Atrachali were selected to represent the Iranian delegation at the opening ceremony.
However, Golshadnezad decided to decline this role for two reasons: the great distance between the opening ceremony venue and the athletes' accommodation, and the fact that she is scheduled to compete only two days after the ceremony begins.
Her successor is expected to be announced soon, with world champion of Wushu Zahra Kiani, who won a gold medal in Taolu, being considered the leading candidate.