Interview
Shirzanan’s interview with Mahdiyeh Montazeran
My only motivation is my love for fencing
Shirzanan - Shabnam Shakorian /translated by Roja Najafi: “When you try so hard and no one sees that you don’t get a good feeling. You may lose your motivation.
Women fencers have a high potential to win medals but unfortunately the opportunity is not given to them and they don’t have enough possibilities or equipment.” Syas Mahdiyeh Montazern. She is 20 and she won Iran’s first gold medal for women fencing in an international championship last year. She is a pleasant companion with a sweet Yazdi accent. She is a medical student. Her only wish is to become as good a Doctor as she is a fencer.
Fencing is not a very popular sport in Iran, how come you became a fencer?
As a kid I was active in all sports and my parents put different classes in summer vacations. When I was at the fifth grade my coach suggested fencing and I started it.
What was your parent’s reaction to that?
At the beginning it was even strange for me, let alone my parents. But I have a very good family; they have always been supportive. When I got the third place in the national league they encouraged me more.
Don’t you regret your choice of sport?
Not at all; Fencing does not come easy at first but if you practice for some time little by little you find its attractions.
As the first Iranian girl who won the gold medal in an international competition after the revolution, how do you feel?
I am really happy. It was in Georgia that I won the gold; I was very proud. There were some medals before the revolution, But for some years after the revolution fencing was stopped.
How did the media reflected your gold medal?
The sports news does not have much attention towards women’s fencing. The women’s national fencing team tries very hard but no one notices it and that’s very discouraging. We also don’t have very good equipment and we don’t have a permanent experienced coach. In the past 6 years that I was part of the national team, everyone practices according to their previous leanings from their own hometown.
If I am not mistaken, Petrousian was the head coach from 2000 and he left, why?
I don’t know why he left. But the foundation of the team was shaped when he was here.
How much the federation helps with the equipment and budgeting?
Unfortunately for all of our abroad games we have to pay for our own equipment. If we have problems they loan the gears to us. The federation has problems of their own. Everything is too expensive and rare.
Many fencers who are not from Tehran believe that Tehran has better facilities, you are also from another city , how do you feel about that?
In some cities in the provinces the officials make a special attention towards some sports: in Yazd they really support fencing. And as the result we can discover young talented fencers and the province team becomes very strong.
Is there any difference between the female fencing team and the male fencing team, regarding the budget and facilities?
Unfortunately the women’s fencing team gets less mony and less time. I am hopeful that the new head of the federation solves this part of the problem. Our most important issue is the preparatory camps and after that there is the lack of international competitions for women fencers.
Do you think women can be successful in international competitions?
If they become more experienced in international fields why not. I am sure we can get good results.
You are a Medical student as well, don’t they mix up, schedule wise?
Commuting is one problem. I live in one city and the competitions are in another one. And we should pay for commuting ourselves. Also the federation doesn’t coordinate with our class or exam schedules. They promised that they are working on it.
For how long do you think you will do professional fencing?
For about 10 years, I guess. After that I like to become a good doctor and continue my medical career.
