Naismith Trophy photographed at famous sites in Iran

TEHRAN (Iran) – One of Asia’s all-time greats, Hamed Haddadi, was on hand when the Trophy Tour presented by J9 brought the biggest prize in international basketball, the Naismith Trophy, to Iran.

Excitement is building in Iran ahead of the country’s fourth consecutive FIBA Basketball World Cup appearance.

Haddadi and former national team player, Hamed Sohrab Nejad, were photographed with the trophy at the Tabiat Bridge, the largest pedestrian overpass in Tehran. The 270-meter bridge connects two public parks, the Taleghani Park and Abo-Atash Park.

Former national team guard, Javad Davari, who now serves as Iran Basketball Federation (IRIBF) President, and Haddadi appeared on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour program on Varzesh TV on May 12.

One of the iconic locations (above) where the Naismith Trophy was photographed was Azadi Square. The backdrop is the Azadi Tower, one of the most famous landmarks of Tehran.

Women’s national team star Kimia Tehrani, who played at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang, the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup and the 2019 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in the Netherlands, had her photo taken with the trophy.

The trophy seen above in front of the Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan, which is located on the western side of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, opposite to Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.

The Naismith Trophy was on display at the Tehran Olympic Committee, with Davari (far right) among the dignitaries present.

The trophy was also taken to the Khaju Bridge, one of the historical bridges on the Zayanderud, the largest river of the Iranian Plateau, in Isfahan, Iran. Construction of the bridge finished in the year 1650.

The spectacular Tehran Golestan Palace is where the Naismith Trophy had another photoshoot. The palace was built in the 16th century, renovated in the 18th century, and finally rebuilt in 1865.