The state-run Tasnim News Agency reported on this development: “France did not issue visas, and the para-swimming team’s trip has been canceled.”
Alireza Izadi, head coach of the para-swimming team, expressed his disappointment: “The World Championships are being held in France, but unfortunately, we cannot participate because France did not issue visas.”
According to Tasnim on May 31, Izadi lamented the missed opportunities for his swimmers: “We still haven’t been able to participate in an international event to test their skills. These two swimmers were supposed to compete in Berlin, but the embassy delayed, and the visas did not arrive on time. Next week’s World Championships in France are also out of reach because France didn’t issue visas either. These championships are crucial as all swimmers test their abilities and gauge their competitors’ statuses.”
This visa denial follows recent reports of Morocco denying visas to Iran’s karate team and Greece refusing visas to the Muay Thai team.
In October 2023, Albania denied visas to Iran’s wrestling team for the U23 World Championships, preventing them from competing in this crucial event. According to United World Wrestling, this visa refusal underscores the growing diplomatic challenges Iranian athletes face. This follows similar actions by the United States, which denied visas to key players of Iran’s national volleyball team for the Volleyball Nations League in California.
Additionally, the pattern of athletes seeking asylum during international events underscores the oppressive environment within Iran. High-profile defections, such as those by Iranian national team athletes to countries like Australia and Norway, reveal the extent of internal pressures driving athletes to escape and seek refuge abroad.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
