Despite Kianoush Rostami accepting Kosovo citizenship, Iran's Weightlifting Federation has refused to issue a letter of consent for him. In the list of weightlifters participating in the 2024 World Championships announced by the International Weightlifting Federation, Kianoush Rostami, the star weightlifter from Iran, is listed under the Kosovo flag among the participants. The 33-year-old weightlifter from Islamabad, Kermanshah, became the Olympic champion for Iran in 2016 and won a silver medal in the 2012 Olympics. He has also earned two gold medals and one silver from world competitions. In recent years, many Iranian champions have sought asylum in European countries and compete under those countries' names. Some have opted for dual citizenship instead of seeking asylum, allowing them to travel to Iran. They have particularly joined national teams of various countries such as Serbia and Azerbaijan in wrestling and taekwondo. The World Weightlifting Championships will be held from December 7 in Bahrain. The highest entry record in the 96 kg category belongs to Rostami. Sajjad Anoushiravani, the president of the Weightlifting Federation, stated: 'We informed the International Federation that this athlete has obtained Kosovo nationality and passport without Iran's knowledge. Other issues concerning him are not our concern.' Kianoush Rostami wrote on Instagram: 'In five months, even if they do not issue a letter of consent, I can participate under another country's flag in competitions. It is better not to make it difficult and to facilitate conditions so that I can compete in the World Championships.' If the Iranian Weightlifting Federation does not issue a letter of consent, Rostami will not have the official opportunity to participate in the World Championships. He stated: 'Even if they prevent me, I will go to the World Championships. It has been discussed with the International Federation that if my situation is not resolved, I can compete freely.' It has been eight years since Rostami last won an Olympic or world medal. His last Asian title was also achieved in 2020 when he stood on the podium in Tashkent. All of Rostami's continental, world, and Olympic medals have been won in the 85 and 89 kg categories, but he will compete in the 96 kg category for Kosovo.
Iran's Weightlifting Federation Opposes Olympic Champion's Membership in Kosovo National Team
Kianoush Rostami, an Iranian Olympic weightlifting champion, has accepted Kosovo citizenship but faces opposition from Iran's Weightlifting Federation, which refuses to issue a consent letter for his participation under the Kosovo flag. This situation highlights the trend of Iranian athletes seeking opportunities abroad amid political and social challenges in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Kianoush Rostami, an Iranian Olympic champion, has accepted citizenship from Kosovo but is facing opposition from Iran's Weightlifting Federation, which refuses to grant consent for him to compete under the Kosovo flag. This situation underscores the challenges faced by Iranian athletes seeking to compete internationally.
- Rostami is listed to compete in the 2024 World Championships under the Kosovo flag.
- The Iranian Weightlifting Federation claims Rostami obtained Kosovo citizenship without their knowledge.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Many Iranian athletes have sought asylum or dual citizenship to escape political restrictions and compete freely, reflecting a broader trend of discontent within the country.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%