Several days ago we reported on the difficulty Russian wrestlers encountered while trying to get visas for Wrestling World cup in Iowa city.
The Russian Foreign Ministry claims that the United States has barred Russian wrestlers from competing in the upcoming Freestyle World Cup in Iowa.
“The point, however, is that non-issuance of visas for our athletes is a gross violation by the United States of its obligations as a state that undertook to host international competitions,” added Zakharova. “It is about direct and open discourses the nation of the team of one of the participating countries.”
USA Wrestling which is hosting the event still has an expectation and hope that Russia will participate.According to their press release:
“USA Wrestling and our hosts in Iowa City are looking forward to hosting the Russian delegation at the World Cup. In light of recent news concerning the Russian team’s situation, we have also invited Mongolia and India to Iowa City. Should the issues concerning Russia’s participation be resolved and Russia is able to make it to Iowa City to wrestle, we will plan accordingly. If not, our fans, our sport and the host broadcasters from NBC and the Olympic Channel will still have a full field of top teams at the World Cup,” said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director.
Iran was added to the field as a replacement to Turkey, only recently informed the hosts that they would not participate in the Freestyle World Cup. At this point Mongolia was invited at that time and decided to participate.
