THE SIDELINES : 3 Iran Athletes Ask U.S. Asylum
Three Iranian athletes taking part in the World Championships for the Disabled have asked asylum in the United States, the U.S. Embassy said today.
The three were part of a 125-member Iranian delegation, and two were blind.
Neither the names nor the whereabouts of the three were known.
Iranian team leader Feraidoon Akhbari was quoted on Dutch television as saying the atmosphere among the Iranian athletes was oppressive.
The championships included such sports as basketball, track and field, soccer, judo and wheelchair marathon.
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