📸 Cycling sports in Tehran; a moment to catch your breath in purgatory

At a time when tensions between the Islamic Republic and the United States have risen again after a fragile ceasefire, and the threat of war weighs even more heavily on Iran, economic pressures have made life harder for citizens, and social freedoms have been restricted more than ever.

Amid this heavy atmosphere, however, life still finds ways to breathe.

The “Novid Park” complex in Javadieh Park in southern Tehran hosted an energetic day for teenagers and young people; with skateboarding and skating competitions, BMX races, and performances of stunt moves with blazing torches that thrilled the spectators. BMX, short for Bicycle Motocross, is one of the cycling disciplines that has many fans especially among teenagers and young people.

Only two weeks remain until the start of the school and university academic year. In the shadow of concern that war may flare up again, many Iranian teenagers and young people do not have a clear picture of their educational future.