Ataullah Bahmanesh (14 April 1923 – 11 July 2017) was a multi-faceted personality in Iran’s sports landscape, contributing as an athlete, sports manager, reporter, correspondent, and journalist. Over his nine-decade-long life, he left an indelible mark on the history of Iranian sports, earning a reputation as one of the most distinguished sports reporters and pioneers in live sports broadcasting.
Early Life and Athletic Career
Born on April 14, 1923, in Tehran, Iran, Ataullah Bahmanesh grew up with a deep-seated passion for sports and journalism. His early years were marked by active involvement in athletics. He excelled in track and field events, particularly in half-distance running, where he became a multiple-time Tehran champion. Bahmanesh’s versatility extended to football, where he played as a right-back for the Bank Melli football team, and tennis and mountaineering, which were among his other athletic pursuits.