Category: Human Interest

This was the 131st Motorized Rifle Regiment, composed of elite (Soviet) NKVD troops. This regiment required very fit young men to guard the communications channels through which Lend-Lease cargo was delivered to the Soviet Union, and to support public order in the capital of Iran; eventually participating in ensuring the security of the meeting between Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin in Tehran. Among the soldiers and officers of this regiment, there were many athletes from different sports – including football, volleyball, wrestling, track events and weightlifting. Sports continued in Iran, in particular, the football team of the 131st Regiment held regular matches with Iranian teams. In total, in 1944-1945 there were 34 such meetings, of which our players won 30, drew two, and lost two.