Iranian Badminton Player Elected as New IOC Member | Olympics News

MILAN, Italy – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) continued its evolution toward greater representation and expertise on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, during the 145th IOC Session in Milan. Key decisions included the re-election of IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch of Spain to a second four-year term, the election of three new members to the executive board and the historic election of Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha of Iran as a new IOC member.

Aghaei’s election is particularly noteworthy. She becomes the first female badminton Olympian from Iran to hold a position within the IOC. Her appointment, confirmed ahead of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, marks a significant step forward for both gender balance and geographical diversity within the organization. The IOC now boasts 107 members, comprised of 48 women and 59 men – representing 44.9 percent female membership. Of the total membership, 43 are Olympians, with 25 women and 18 men.

Aghaei’s journey to this position began with a groundbreaking performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where she became the first Iranian woman to compete in badminton. This achievement, highlighted by the IOC, positioned her as a symbol of progress and opportunity for female athletes in Iran. Her subsequent appointment to the IOC Athletes’ Commission in December 2025 paved the way for her full membership, culminating in Wednesday’s vote in Milan.

The election of Aghaei also signifies Iran reclaiming a prominent seat within the IOC after a 21-year absence. Previously, the nation held a major IOC position until 2004. Her selection is viewed as a recognition of her dedication to the sport and her potential to contribute to the global Olympic movement.

Alongside Aghaei’s election, the IOC Session saw Ingmar De Vos of Belgium, Kim Jae-youl of South Korea, and Chile’s Neven Ilic elected to the executive board. These three individuals will commence their terms following the conclusion of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. De Vos succeeds Nenad Lalovic of Serbia, Kim replaces Italy’s Ivo Ferriani, and Ilic fills the vacancy created by IOC President Kirsty Coventry’s election in March 2025.

The changes within the IOC’s leadership structure reflect a commitment to both continuity, and renewal. Samaranch’s re-election provides stability at the vice-presidential level, while the appointments to the executive board introduce fresh perspectives and expertise. The inclusion of Aghaei, as an athlete representative, further strengthens the IOC’s connection to the athletes it serves.

The 145th IOC Session, taking place in the lead-up to the Winter Olympics, serves as a crucial forum for strategic planning and decision-making. The elections of these new members and the re-election of Samaranch demonstrate the IOC’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving landscape of international sport and to uphold its core values of excellence, friendship, and respect. The focus on increasing female representation within the organization, as evidenced by the current membership breakdown, underscores the IOC’s dedication to gender equality and inclusivity.

Aghaei’s election is not merely a symbolic gesture. As an active member of the IOC, she will have a voice in shaping the future of the Olympic Games and advocating for the needs of athletes worldwide. Her experience as a trailblazer in Iranian badminton will undoubtedly inform her contributions to the organization, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the Olympic movement in a rapidly changing world.

The IOC’s commitment to athlete representation is further emphasized by the significant number of Olympians currently serving as members. With 43 Olympians among the 107 total members, the organization ensures that the voices of those who have directly experienced the Games are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. This athlete-centric approach is seen as vital to maintaining the integrity and relevance of the Olympic movement.

As the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics approach, the IOC’s recent decisions signal a period of transition and renewal. The newly elected members of the executive board and the addition of Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha to the full membership represent a commitment to a more diverse, inclusive, and athlete-focused future for the Olympic Games.