Valinejad, aged 20, was active in both Track Cycling and Road Cycling disciplines. She had achieved numerous titles in domestic women’s cycling competitions, Tehran Times reported on Wednesday.

Rasoul Asadi, head of the Iran’s Cycling Federation, expressed condolences for the passing of Valinejad, a talented young cyclist and a promising figure in Iranian cycling, stating “Today, the Iranian cycling community witnessed a bitter and sorrowful event. On behalf of the great family of Iranian cycling, I offer my condolences to the esteemed family of Valinejad, a morally upright and talented cyclist of our country.”

Ariana was regarded as one of the future talents in women’s cycling in Iran, leading to her participation in the Female Junior Road Camp of the 2023 World Cycling Center in South Korea.

An official from the federation told Tehran Times “Ariana was not only technically skilled but also morally excellent as an athlete. We considered her as one of the future members of the Iranian women’s senior team. She made special efforts to advance in cycling and possessed great talent. We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a phenomenon in Iranian cycling.”

Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Kioumars Hashemi, also expressed condolences for the passing of this young cyclist in a message of sympathy.

Tehran Times extends its heartfelt condolences to her grieving family and the Iranian cycling community during this challenging time.

Her funeral ceremony will be held on Thursday in Khorramabad city.

MNA