Esteghlal Rasht
| Full name | Esteghlal Shahrdari Rasht Football Club |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Blues (آبی پوشان) |
| Founded | 1983; 34 years ago |
| Ground | Dr. Azodi Stadium |
| Capacity | 11,000 |
| Owner | Municipality of Rasht |
| League | Gilan Province League |
| Website | Club home page |
Esteghlal Shahrdari Rasht Football Club (Persian: استقلال رشت) commonly known as Esteghlal Rasht, is a football club, based in Rasht, Gilan, Iran. The club was founded in 1983. First dissolved in 2002, the club was refounded later. The club plays currently in the Gilan Province League.
Before the Islamic Revolution Taj Rasht and Sepidrood were the biggest clubs in Rasht. Taj Rasht failed to qualify for the 1973–74 Takht Jamshid Cup after poor results in the Local League. After the Islamic Revolution Taj Rasht was dissolved in 1979.
In 1983 Esteghlal Shahrdari Rasht FC was founded in Rasht. The club was known as Esteghlal Gaz Rasht in 1992–93 Iran Football's 2nd Division due to sponsorship. After playing many years in Iran Football's 2nd Division, they were promoted to Azadegan League in 2000. They finished 10th in 2000–01 season. But only one year later they were relegated again. They finished 13th in that season.
Due to financial problems and relegation, Esteghlal Rasht sold their licence to Pegah Dairy Company. The new club was named as Pegah Gilan. Many players and their coach Majid Jahanpour moved to Pegah Gilan. On 5 August 2002, Esteghlal Rasht was officially dissolved.
However Esteghlal Rasht was refounded years later and able to play in Gilan Province League.
Dr. Azodi Stadium is the home stadium of Esteghlal Rasht since 1990. It has a current capacity of 11,000 spectators. The stadium is named after Dr. Hassan Azodi who was killed on June 28, 1982, in an explosion at the central office of the Islamic Republican Party. It is also the home venue of local rivals Damash and Sepidrood.
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