Rivalry after diplomacy: US, Iran compete for World Wrestling Championship in Las Vegas
There is a time for diplomacy and a time for rivalry. There has always been camaraderie between Iranians and Americans in Press Conferences and off the mat, but on the wrestling mat, it is all muscles and power. In April, at the 2015 Men's Freestyle Wrestling World Cup in Los Angeles (event link) it was Iran and the United States that defeated wrestling giants like Russia, Turkey and Azarbaijan and ended up fighting for the championship title. Iran captured Gold at the end but now they have to come back to the United States in September to fight even harder (event link) for the World Wrestling Championship title.
From September 7-12, 2015, Iran's best will join other best wrestlers from more than 100 countries, including Russia and the United States, to compete at the 2015 Wrestling World Championships in Orleans arena located inside the glamorous Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (pictured below). This is an important event in international wrestling, as it serves as the first qualifying event for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as the event in which the largest number of athletes earn a spot at the Olympics.
As in the past (story link), a large number of passionate (and loud) Iranian American fans are expected to wave flags, blow horns and sing for Team Iran but also cheer for US wrestlers. "We see more Iranians here than any other City. It’s like wrestling in Tehran," said Iran's 61kg wrestler Behnam Ehsanpour during the Wrestling World Cup in April.
With an estimated one million Iranian Americans, America is now home to the largest population of Iranians in diaspora, who have, regardless of their political backgrounds, historically supported Iranian teams visiting the United States. This year, USA Wrestling has offered Kodoom.com a premium "Iranian Fan Zone" area at the Orleans Arena (see the yellow circles in the picture) with All-sessions (Men's and Women's) silver ticket packages available at a discounted price online only on this site (Link to Exclusive Silver Tickets). These seats are among the best in the Orleans Arena and making them available to Iranian/Persian fans will leverage the energetic atmosphere these fans are known for.
"We are very excited to play host to the wrestling world’s largest event outside the Olympics," said USA Wrestling’s Executive Director Rich Bender. Competition in all three Olympic styles of international wrestling will be held: Men’s freestyle, Women’s freestyle and Greco-‐Roman.
Traditionally, the Iranian team is among the best at the World Championships in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. In 2014, Iran won the World Team title in Greco-Roman and second in freestyle. In 2013, Iran won the World Team Title in freestyle. Iran is also a power in the annual Asian Championships.
Wrestling has enjoyed a unique spot in the history of US-Iran sports and cultural relationships. In the 1970's, Iran helped US Wrestling Federation train athletes and initiate professional programs across America. Ever since then, there has been a constant rise in popularity of the sport in America and in the ranking of Team USA in global competitions.
The United States is now a world power in all three Olympic styles. The USA won World Team titles in men’s freestyle in 1993 and 1995, in Greco-Roman in 2007 and in women’s freestyle in 1999. Team USA is expected to compete for top honors in all three styles in Las Vegas. The USA is the dominant wrestling power at the annual Pan American Championships.
Some photos courtesy of John Sachs, Ken Coburn and Milena Wick at Tech-fall.com.
Related to Wrestling
- Wrestling World Cup: No negotiations between US and Iran in Los Angeles
- Iranian wrestlers welcomed by fans in Los Angeles
- Iranian wrestlers in Los Angeles to defend world Championship title
- Incredible wrestling technique by Iranian wrestler
- US Wrestling team cheered by Iranian fans in Tehran
- Wrestling diplomacy: Now U.S. visits Tehran
- Iranians-Americans party, exchange peace during wrestling games (Videos)
- Iran defeats US in Los Angeles in world cup of wrestling (video)
- USA vs. Iran vs. Russia wrestling in NYC
- Exiled Iranian named Head Coach for Denmark's Women wrestling team
- America and Iran are Wrestling Buddies!
- Iran defeats America in Wrestling World Cup 2013 (video)
- Iranian Iron Sheik angry at Olympics officials
- Iranians in Ultimate Fighting Championship game
Related to Los Angeles
- Wrestling World Cup: No negotiations between US and Iran in Los Angeles
- Iranian wrestlers welcomed by fans in Los Angeles
- Iranian wrestlers in Los Angeles to defend world Championship title
- Andy's birthday gift to Shani during Mega Concert (Video)
- Behind the Scenes of "Shirin in Love" (video)
- Iranian-American romantic comedy to attract American movie goers
- Pahlavi Prince claims French partner bamboozled him, bartered expensive wines
- Max Amini Unplugged: Success with comical improvisation
- Persian-inspired "bull testicle" treatment used in Hollywood?!
- "Persian girls, so much perfume and hairy!" in The Women of L.A.
- Iranian dentist buys Anna Nicole Smith's Home
- Andy in One World Peace Concert before Dalai Lama
- The "Persian Barbie" seeks "sensual" publicity
- Mercedes in bikini: Pride or shame for Iranian-American woman?
- Golzar at Googoosh Concert (Video)
Related to Iranian Americans
- Iranian-American Ali Nili umpires for Wimbledon final
- Iranian American student makes audience laugh, think (Video)
- Vintage Chicago Venue Welcomes Persian Events
- What I learned by befriending Iranians on Facebook
- Iranian Americans in the news, from sonic Hyperloop to councilwoman
- Iranian-born brothers big names in SIlicone Valley
- Googoosh and Iranian celebrities who did ice bucket challenge their way! Videos
- Iranian-American first woman ever to win prestigious Fields Math award
- Iranian-American empowers schools in America's crime capital
- Iranian-born former crossdresser in California's Big Sur
- Ramin Karimloo as Jean Valjean in Broadway's Les Misérables
- Legoland Florida: A Family Haven
- Kerry admires Iranian culture and son-in-law (picture)
- Iranian-American romantic comedy to attract American movie goers
- Wintertime family activities: Camelback Mountains
