Union of Muslim champions has held meeting on the first day of the 33rd Islamic Unity Conference to honor athletes abstaining competition with Israeli rivals and support Muslim athletes.
 
Union of Sports Champions of Muslim World has held meeting on the sideline of the 33^rd Islamic Unity Conference held in the Iranian capital of Tehran under the title of "Ummah Unity in Defense of al-Quds", reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).
 
Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, secretary general of World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought in this meeting proposed support for sports events held in Palestine and Lebanon.
 
The cleric also proposed allocating funds for sports activities in the world of Islam in order to support young sportsmen and sportswomen.
 
"Our society is in need of proper role models" he said and hailed athletes as examples to lead a healthy society.
 
He also called for supporting athletes who abstain from competing with Israeli rivals.
 
Mohammad Abbasi, former minister of Sport and Youths expressed regret over some countries supporting the US and Israeli regime in sports events and said foundation of unions like Muslim world sports champions could be a reminder to these countries.
 
He called unity as a strategic necessity for all Muslims and highlighted the capability of athletes in contributing to solving the issue of Palestine.
 
"The key philosophy behind launching this commission is to practice fraternity" he said before being appointed as chairman of the union for Muslim athletes.