TEHRAN – Iran’s parliament gave vote of confidence to Kioumars Hashemi as the country’s Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs on Monday.

The decision was made during an open session of the Majlis in Tehran. Out of the 237 parliamentarians present, Hashemi secured 167 votes in favor, with 57 against, 12 abstentions, and one invalid vote.

He replaced Hamid Sajadi, who stepped down from his role due to his physical health condition.

The ex-Iran long-distance runner and other senior officials suffered serious injuries in a helicopter crash in February.

Sajadi was hospitalized for eight days for brain hemorrhage.

Hashemi had previously served as the president of Iran’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) from 2014 to 2018.