IOWA wrestling World Cup to be more attractive with Iran presence: American media’

“Unfortunately for fans, the Russians and Iranians failed to show up and the US, fresh off its first world team championship in 22 years, appears to be in position for a crown that likely would ring a bit hollow,” AP reported.

The US beat India 10-0 and Japan 7-3 in Saturday’s opening rounds.

“Our team was poised to do well (even if) Russia and Iran (were here), so that’s a little bit disappointing,” USA Wrestling executive dirrector Rich Bender said.

“Iran, the six-time defending World Cup champions, withdrew in March without citing a reason. But according to Bender, the Iranian federation is dealing with “significant issues” after its president Rasoul Khadem’s recent departure.”

Khadem left his post a few weeks after United World Wrestling ruled that an Iranian wrestler threw a match at the U-23 world championships in November to avoid having to face an Israeli opponent, disciplining both the athlete and his coach.

“Certainly in light of the current political situation and the relations between our governments and the drama around what’s going on in our state departments, with their embassy and ours, this was not the year to wait until the last minute to apply,” Bender said of the Russians.

The absence of Russia and Iran was a blow to a sport that prides itself on getting oft-disparate nations to come together, though Bender said he doubts it’ll do much to damage to the relations of the three federations in the future.

But UWW released a somewhat cryptic statement later Saturday that, while not mentioning Russia or Iran by name, appeared to address their absences.

In its letter to Nenad Lalović, President of the United World Wrestling, NOC expressed supports of Iranian government, Ministry of Sports and Youths and NOC for Iran Wrestling Federation’s plans.

The United World Wrestling in a letter denied Iran’s hosting of the 2018 Greco-Roman World Cup.

In reaction to UWW act, Iran withdrew from 2018 free style competitions.

Iran Wrestling Federation had earlier announced that due to happening competitions sooner than the scheduled time, even Iranian freestylers will not be able to attend the upcoming event.

The United World Wrestling had agreed with Iran’s offer.

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