Iranian-born Azeri wrestler selling Olympic medal for Iran quake victims

Iranian-born Azerbaijani wrestler Sabah Salehoghlu Shariati is selling his Rio 2016 Summer Olympics bronze medal to raise money for the victims of the recent earthquake in the western part of Iran, which has left at least 500 people dead,  hundreds of people dead and dozens  of villages destroyed.

The quake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale rattled the border region between Iran and Iraq on Sunday night, causing extensive damage and loss of life.

According to the latest figures, at least 436 people have lost their lives and 9,388 others sustained injuries in the earthquake. More than 12,000 homes have also been completely destroyed in the incident.

“I wish I could do something. I wish I could make my own contribution to my compatriots. I, Sabah Shariati, am auctioning my Rio 2016 Olympics medal to serve my country and help my compatriots,” Shariati wrote in a message.

Shariati competed in the men’s Greco-Roman 130-kilogram weight category of 2016 Olympics on August 15 at the Carioca Arena 2 in Barra da Tijuca.

He defeated German wrestler Eduard Popp 3-0, and received the bronze medal.