According to "Varzesh 3", Saeed Zarandi, speaking yesterday at the ceremony marking the 73rd anniversary of the founding of Sepahan, emphasized the continuation of Mobarakeh Steel's support for the club and discussed budget-securing challenges, grassroots sports development, and the organization's priorities for the coming years.

Pointing to the scale of Sepahan Club's activities, he stated: "Proudly, more than two thousand people are members of various teams within the Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan Club. We manage over 74 sports teams and guide more than 100,000 individuals in the field of public sports."

The CEO of the Mobarakeh Steel Group, referring to the pledge he made at the beginning of his tenure to support Sepahan, said: "On my introduction day at the Mobarakeh complex, I promised to support Sepahan under any circumstances. This promise was met with a severe test, which was the battle that took place for Mobarakeh Steel. Perhaps the first decision that could have been made was to eliminate foundational costs. Among the first areas ranked for cuts, Sepahan was targeted, and letters were issued stating that Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan no longer had the financial capacity to run sports teams."

Zarandi continued: "During the meetings we held, we placed certain subjects under our support. The first step was supporting the personnel; we support over 30,000 people, and God showed us blessings. I witnessed this with my own eyes."

Explaining the discussions surrounding Sepahan Club's budget, he noted: "It was suggested that we allocate no budget to Sepahan for at least a year until conditions returned to normal. At that time, I thought of the promise I had made at the start of my managerial term. My first promise was to support the personnel, which I fulfilled, and my other promise was to the people of Isfahan. Therefore, despite all the hardships, I told Mr. Nikfar that you should exercise restraint and I would strive to secure the budget so the club could continue on its path. Today, I am glad to see this wonderful group actively engaged in various sports professionally."

Emphasizing the role of professional clubs in the country's sports advancement, the CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Group said: "I believe that if there were a few professional clubs like Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan in Iran, Iranian sports would be transformed. Wherever Mobarakeh Steel has had a presence, it has tried to adopt a transformative approach, and I consider it the mission of the Mobarakeh Steel Group to maintain a transformative perspective in the realm of sports as well."

Zarandi also pointed to the complex's programs for developing grassroots sports, adding: "Before entering the hall, we saw the program we have in store for your children—a program through which children enter sports starting from the age of three. Even a special program for children with disabilities is currently under review. All of this shows that the Sepahan complex, influenced by Mobarakeh Steel, pursues a scientific approach."

Reiterating support for Sepahan as one of the beloved institutions of the people of Isfahan, he stated: "Mobarakeh Steel is a supporter of Sepahan, and I believe that supporting the source of joy for the people of Isfahan—meaning Sepahan—will remain at the top of my priorities. I have also asked the management team to manage Sepahan professionally and strive to have the best individuals in the teams."

Concluding his remarks, Zarandi named academies, youth sports, and women's sports as priority areas for support by the Mobarakeh Steel Group, saying: "I will emphasize and support academies, youth sports, and women's sports. These two sectors are the main pathways of Foolad Mobarakeh's support for Sepahan Club. God willing, we will continue these approaches with greater strength and witness Foolad Mobarakeh shining ever brighter all over the world."

Source: Varzesh 3