MNA– A veteran free-styler and 1996 Summer Olympics gold medalist has urged Ministry of Sports and Youth to coordinate visa issuance for American national squad which is expected to compete in FILA World Championship in Kermanshah.


Rasoul Khadem wrote a letter to Mr. Masoud Soltanifar, Minister of Sports and Youth where he asked for reversal of reciprocity act which would deny travel visas for American nationals, including athletes. The letter says that such denial of visa would adversely affect the quality and rating of the world cup held in Kermanshah; however, “we are aware that the US officials had been always treating Iranians including sportsmen with contempt; wrestling is the foremost sports and a popular sport; US Wrestling Federation as well had requested that visa be issued for their national squad, reminding of their good memories when they traveled Iran and experienced the love the Iranian public fervently displayed for the sport,” the letter said.

“The US Federation also rejected Trump’s directive on suspending visa issuance for nationals of 7 countries including Iran and joined the multitudes condemning the act; this would provide us a clue to review the visa ban on US national wrestling squad so that they participate in world cup in Kermanshah; it will also display Iran’s good will in promoting our side in terms of sports diplomacy on the eyes of the world public,” the letter concluded.