[93769] Criticism of Iranian sports culture compared to the Japanese model on the 'Barjam' program

Criticism of sports culture in Iran: A comparison to the Japanese model

In a series of publications today, June 21, 2026, the Iranian sports channel ورزش سه raised the issue of infrastructure and planning gaps between Iran and Japan in the field of sports. As part of the 12th episode of the sports program "Barjam", commentator Javad Khiabani criticized the local policy, stating: "For 50 years we have not built even one stadium."

Khiabani presented Japan as a role model, noting that the country implemented a 50-year master plan that led it to global achievements. The discussion revolved around "changing Japan's culture and the progress of this country," from hosting international sporting events such as the Olympics to a professional analysis of the development of Japanese football.

During the discussion, a historical example was also mentioned from a match between the Iranian team Sepahan and the Japanese Urawa Red Diamonds, as evidence of the exemplary organization of the Japanese. The "Barjam" program is broadcast throughout the day, concurrently with international football matches that attract large crowds, as reported on ورزش سه and آنتن | Anten.

The reports highlight the conceptual gap between the Iranian approach, which is characterized according to the interviewees by a lack of long-term planning, and the organized Japanese approach.