Enayatollah Atashi, a prominent figure in Iranian basketball, died Tuesday in Tehran at the age of 80 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Atashi's career in the sport spanned several decades, encompassing roles as a national team player, coach, and commentator.

During the 1960s, Atashi represented Iran as a player on the national basketball team. He later coached the national squad in two separate terms, first in 1983 and again in 1998. Beyond his involvement on the court, Atashi was a well-known basketball analyst and commentator for Iran’s IRIB TV, a position he held for over 30 years.

Atashi also played for the Esteghlal Club, known as Taj before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and is credited with renaming the Tehran-based club following the revolution. His influence extended into administrative and leadership roles within Iran’s basketball federation, where he was recognized for his expertise and dedication to the sport.

Following his death, Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali expressed his condolences, highlighting Atashi’s multifaceted contributions to basketball in the country. In a message, Donyamali described Atashi as a figure who “lived every dimension of the sport with expertise and integrity.” He praised Atashi for his work from playing and coaching to leadership and broadcasting, noting that his commentary made basketball accessible and engaging for audiences nationwide. The minister referred to Atashi as the “clear voice of basketball” whose warm and insightful presence helped nurture the sport’s development and popularity in Iran.

Atashi’s passing marks the loss of an influential contributor to Iranian basketball, remembered not only for his achievements on the court but also for his role in promoting the sport to new generations.