Return of Rasoul Khadem to the Wrestling Federation, Maintaining Previous Positions

Rasoul Khadem stated after the Wrestling Federation assembly that out of respect for the remarkable steadfastness of the representatives of the large wrestling family, he could not respond to the assembly with anything other than a positive answer. Mr. Khadem did not attend the assembly, which was held with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Sports, but after the assembly ended, a group of members went to the Namjou wrestling hall and again demanded his return to the Wrestling Federation. Last year, Rasoul Khadem had issued several statements and conducted critical interviews, calling for a review by the officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the policy of not competing against Israeli athletes. He has now issued a statement emphasizing that he will continue to uphold his previous positions. A member of the Executive Board of the United World Wrestling writes: 'Concerns remain strong. Nothing has changed. No practical action has been taken by the diplomatic apparatus to negotiate with the IOC. I do not know how to interpret the lack of follow-up by responsible officials.' Rasoul Khadem, while retracting his resignation, reminded that 'I have no tools to help the champions and no one is beside us. However, my insistence on the duty of the relevant authorities to assist national champions will remain strong.' The president of the Wrestling Federation has also criticized the Ministry of Sports, writing: 'Another point is the story of the indifference of friends in the Ministry of Sports. The dear ones must endure this humble person for a while longer at the insistence of the assembly. Of course, with the knowledge I have of them, I doubt we will see any change in their indifference.' Recently, media reported on negotiations by the Ministry of Sports with alternative candidates for Rasoul Khadem. Meanwhile, the Iranian national freestyle wrestling team, despite having six consecutive championships, missed out on participating in the World Cup. The United States, which last won the championship in 2003, managed to stand on the championship podium. The cancellation of hosting the Greco-Roman World Cup in Iran is another event that occurred after Rasoul Khadem's temporary resignation. In the final part of his statement, he emphasized: 'With the current conditions, both domestically and internationally, we will face more problems and constraints than in the past.' Rasoul Khadem, who faced critical interviews from some political and military officials after his resignation, concluded his remarks with a hint at them, stating 'especially since it is believed that the negative sensitivity of some dear ones towards national sports has increased.' In 2018, Iranian freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling must participate in the Asian Games in addition to the World Championships. This prestigious event can either elevate or lower the final ranking of Iran's sports caravan based on wrestling results in the medal table. In this regard, Rasoul Khadem addressed the responsible officials: 'Do not use national champions as a shield for your own troubles.'