Why it matters:
Participation in global tournaments is a fundamental right for every country, and no team should be barred due to political reasons. The decision highlights how politics directly impacts sports, restricting opportunities for Iranian athletes. Such actions discourage athletes and deprive the global community of constructive exchanges through sport.
What he's saying:
Asghar Nazeri, head of the Iranian Polo Federation, called the decision an example of restrictive political policies that negatively affect international sports.
The big picture:
Sport is often regarded as a platform for global unity and soft diplomacy. Yet, political barriers have turned it into an arena of restrictions and obstacles. This is not the first time the U.S. has denied visas to Iranian athletes. For example the U.S. authorities have made restrictions for the Iranian political delegations' participation in the 80th UN General Assembly. The U.S. improvised visa problems for the foreign students, preventing them from continuing their studies, recently.
Go deeper:
US visa denial deprives Iranian archers from World Games
Neda Sajjadi - seyed mohammad kazemi
