He was also the last president of the Sports Organization. Some people believe that he managed the organization professionally and scientifically, and under his leadership Iran’s soccer team appeared at the FIFA World Cup for the first time. His efforts to “popularize athletics” have also been notable. There are reports showing his efforts to develop sports facilities in less developed suburbs (Deutsche Welle, October 29, 2013; Ferdousi-e Emrouz weekly newspaper, September 12, 2012; Rouzegareno magazine, August/September 2002).