New Delhi, 17 April (H.S.):

Iranian women's soccer stars Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh expressed profound gratitude to the Australian government Friday for granting them humanitarian visas and a secure refuge, vowing to rebuild their lives and reignite their professional careers Down Under. In their first public statement post-visa approval, the duo hailed the empathy and support as a beacon of hope for a fearless future in sport and sanctuary.

We extend our deepest thanks to the Australian government, especially Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, for providing us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country, they stated jointly, crediting officials' compassion for easing their transition. Currently training with A-League Women's side Brisbane Roar since last month, the players prioritized safety, health, and resettlement before pursuing their dream of competitive football.

Australia's intervention followed the AFC Women's Asian Cup, where US-Israel airstrikes on Iran heightened peril for six players and a staffer who sought refuge amid anthem boycott backlash—branded wartime traitors by Iranian state media. While five teammates returned via arduous routes through Turkey, Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, embodying resilience amid geopolitical strife.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar