Mokhtari suspended by IWF after Vehbi Emre mayhem
Greco-Roman wrestler Mohammadreza Mokhtari has been banned “until further notice” by the Iranian Wrestling Federation, the IWF announced on Saturday, following a physical altercation with a Turkish opponent at the Yasar Dogu & Vehbi Emre tournament in Antalya.
The incident came in the closing stages of the 77kg semifinal, where Mokhtari, trailing a 7-3 scoreline, complained to the referee against the host’s Yuksel Saricicek repeatedly using his arm an elbow when defending the Iranian’s attacks, before his frustration eventually led to an exchange of punches and kicks between the two wrestlers.
Members from the two camps, including Iranian head coach Hassan Rangraz, as well as the organizing officials had to interfere to end the brawl and both athletes were disqualified afterwards, which gave Amin Kavianinejad – beaten by Mokhtari in the previous round – a second chance to go all the way to beat fellow-Iranian Ali Oskou 5-0 in the final.
Sharam Lorestani, the head of the Iranian federation’s disciplinary committee said the final decision on Mokhtari will be made “following a full review of the incident”, while he could be facing further punishment by the United World Wrestling – the international governing body of the sport.
The suspension could also mean the end of the ex-Asian champion’s quest for a place in the Paris Olympics in August as Kavianinejad will now be the frontrunner to represent the country in the Asian qualification tournament in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, next month.
Mokhtari took to Instagram on Saturday to offer his apology to the Iranian wrestling fans, saying: “Respectful behavior has always been a top priority in my life and sporting career, and I deeply regret what happened in the bout against the Turkish wrestler.”
Friday’s incident overshadowed an impressive campaign for the Iranian 19-man squad in Antalya, which collected 12 medals – including four golds – to beat the host to the Greco-Roman team title.
Kavianinejad was joined by Pouria Dadmarz (55kg), Saeid Esmaeili (67kg), and Mohammad-Hadi Saravi (97kg) in claiming the ultimate prize of their respective weight classes, while Oskou, Amir-Reza Dehbozorgi (60kg), Rasoul Garmsiri (82kg), Mahdi Bali (97kg), and reigning world champion Amin Mirzazadeh (130kg), who suffered a knee problem ahead of the superheavyweight final, added five silvers to Iran’s medal haul.
Amir Abdi (77kg), Abbas Mahdizadeh (82kg), and Fardin Hedayati (130kg) left Antalya with three consolation bronzes as Iran finished atop the table with 166 points, with Turkey in second on 107 points.