Current president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad , who faces an election this year , was forced to back down from an initiative ealry in his current term to encourage female participation in sport because of criticism from the country 's religious leaders . Iran set to send female athletes to next year 's Winter Olympics for the first time . One female skier , three male skiers will be selected for Iranian Olympic team . Skiing is hugely popular in Iran with resorts just a two - hour drive from Tehran . Male , female skiers allowed to use , though not chair lifts , gondolas .
Iran set to send female athletes to next year 's Winter Olympics for the first time . One female skier , three male skiers will be selected for Iranian Olympic team . Skiing is hugely popular in Iran with resorts just a two - hour drive from Tehran . Male , female skiers allowed to use , though not chair lifts , gondolas .