Wrestling Diplomacy

"Wrestling Diplomacy" - February 17- 20, 1998:
Search for Common Ground facilitated the exchange of the American wrestling team which competed in the international Takhti Cup tournament in Iran, where wrestlers from both countries were able to engage each other in sport and competition. This was the first U.S. delegation to Iran since before the Iranian Revolution.

Due to the importance of wrestling placed in Iranian culture and popularity, the visit proved to be extremely positive in improving relations between the two countries. Moreover, there were certain "symbolic" moments that had tremendous impact on the two nations: one being the hoisting of the American flag in Tehran. Since 1979, the only images of the US flag in Iran were of those being burned in symbolic anti-US demonstrations of animosity and resentment. Within the context of the wrestling tournament, the US flag was carried proudly, "without chauvinism and in an atmosphere of mutual respect."

The US administration was so impressed with the outcome of the "wrestling diplomacy" that the US wrestling team and those participants that helped facilitate the exchange were honored at the White House.

This hallmark event paved the way for a number of other sports competitions between Iran and America. The following year, American wrestlers returned to Iran to compete in the World Wrestling Championship. Other notable events included the friendly soccer match between America and Iran that ended in a 1-1 tie in 1999, a mountain climbing expedition, and a fencing tournament that brought Iranian nationals to the United States.

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