‘Classic Diplomacy:’ US, Iran, Russia to Wrestle at Grand Central in NYC

Jordan Ernest Burroughs of the United States (blue) competes with Sadegh Saeed Goudarzi of Islamic Republic of Iran at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The U.S., Iran, and Russia will wrestle in New York City in May. Feng Li/Getty Images

U.S. wrestling officials said the Iranian national team, as well as the Russia national team, will compete against the Americans on May 15 in Grand Central Terminal.

Another event is being planned for Los Angeles four days later.

Rich Bender, executive director of USA Wrestling, told USA Today that there are obvious political differences between the countries but the U.S. and Iran share a strong relationship through wrestling.

“This is a chance to show how wrestling unites nations,” Bender said. It’s classic diplomacy.”

The events come after the International Olympic Committee recommended wrestling be removed from the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.

“Rumble on the Rails,” is what officials are calling the event.

Bender told USA Today the biggest challenges are making sure the Iranians can make the trip.

Iran hasn’t wrestled in the U.S. since the 2003 world championships. They will face the Americans under current freestyle discipline rules.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.