Defecting Soviet Athlete in Istanbul

A Soviet weightlifting champion who defected with his trainer through the Turkish Embassy in Athens has arrived in Istanbul, officials said Sunday.

Hafiz Sulaimanov, 22, and his trainer and masseur, Vitaly Stabrov, arrived at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport late Saturday. The arrival was kept secret by Turkish officials and security was tight.

The Soviet lifter, who was in Athens to attend the world weightlifting championships, showed up at the Turkish Embassy with Stabrov at dawn Tuesday and asked for political asylum in Turkey. He had won the gold medal in the 123-pound class two days earlier.