Iranian ministry of sports denounces Samsung 'offensive' move

Tehran, Feb 8, IRNA – Iran's Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs on Thursday denounced Samsung's 'offensive' way of treating Iranian athletes at the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang 2018. Media reported on Wednesday that the South Korean company Samsung, as the main sponsor of the games, has decided to deny Iranian athletes the Olympic-edition smart phones. It has referred to international sanctions as the reason of the move. The Iranian ministry in a statement reacted to the decision as an unethical move that is against human values and violating the Olympic charter. The decision on 'not handing the gifts to Iranian athletes participating in the PyeongChang Oympic Winter Games causes deep regret,' the statement said. 'Our main priority in sending our athletes to the international events has always been sending a message of peace and humanitarian love, as well as showing our great Iranian-Islamic culture to the world, followed by obtaining honors and raising Iran's flag,' it read. 'Although we have had enjoyed deep economic, cultural and sport relations with the Korean government and people, but the unfortunate move is considered as an insult to our athletes, who are representatives of the great, civilized Iranian people, and our peace messengers to the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.' The ministry has called for an apology for the discriminatory move. The opening ceremony of the games will be on Friday. Iran is participating in the event with four athletes. 1378/IRNA