Two Iranian athletes denied visas for Weightlifting Championships in US

Four members of Iran's delegation that had hoped to travel to Anaheim next month for the 2017 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships have been denied visas, according to reports.

Athletes Saleh Cheraghi and Ayyub Mousavi, who compete in the 85 and 94 kilograms categories respectively, are among the quartet to have had applications turned down by the United States Embassy in Dubai having travelled to the United Arab Emirates for the necessary interviews, Fars News Agency reported.

Ehsan Sharif Ahmadi, a national team masseur, was part of the foursome along with the Iran Weightlifting Federation's director of public relations.

The World Championships are due to take place from November 28 to December 6.