Politics Taken To Mat In Tehran Wrestling

For the first time in more than 18 years, the American flag was displayed with respect rather than rage in Iran today when a U.S. wrestling team carried the banner onto the mat in the opening ceremony of an international competition.

About 500 Iranian men clapped for the Stars and Stripes, a more enthusiastic response than received by any of the other 17 teams, except that of the host nation.

The American flag also was on display at the arena, despite warnings by some conservative Iranians that the American banner should not be shown. The U.S. flag has not been hung ceremonially here since Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in 1979.

“Iranian wrestling fans are the greatest in the world,” said Zeke Jones of Chandler, Ariz. “We’re here to wrestle, not for politics. If there is any political fallout from this, it is not our concern.”

“I’m glad the Americans are coming. It will put the games in a different perspective,” said Iranian wrestling coach Amir Khadem, who won a bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. “It could be a sign of more friendly relations between the two countries.”