The “Persian Wolf” Hadi Choopan has been receiving a lot of attention lately… but not only because he’s a 212 competitor who dominated the 2019 Vancouver Pro as an Men’s Open division bodybuilder; which qualified him for the 2019 Olympia in September (12-15).
Hadi Choopan was recently denied a US Visa so now it seems that he won’t be able to participate in the most prestigious bodybuilding competition in the world.
He had no issues going to Canada for the Vancouver IFBB Pro event…
And the 31-year-old from Iran has many big names in the industry behind him during these difficult times, who have tried to get him over to the States, but to no avail.
Olympia host Bob Cicherillo was even hoping to see the up and comer as he told the New York Post…
“I would like to see him, the pro league would like to see him, and the fans would like to see him competing. The guy is a talent. He’s one of the best in the world”.
“We support Hadi Choopan as an IFBB pro athlete. He is a member in good standing. I’ve never heard a bad word about him personally,” said Cicherillo.
Then RX Muscle’s Dave Palumbo explained,
“I’ve called for the government to grant Hadi a visa based on the fact that he’s an elite level athlete who should be immune from the politics and sanctions against his government“.
Even American Media LLC who owns the Olympia said they will do their best to get Choopan into the States so he can compete…
“The Mr. Olympia is actively working with immigration lawyers to explore and pursue all possible legal options available for Hadi to join the incredible roster of competitors taking the stage at this year’s event,” explained the Chief Olympia Officer Dan Solomon.
But so far the efforts to get Hadi Choopan into the United States for this once in a lifetime opportunity to compete at the Olympia, have been in vain.
There’s a ban against the entry of Iranian Nationals into the US currently, and time may have run out for Hadi Choopan. But hope is never a bad thing and we’ll see if any other information comes out before the Olympia next month.
There have been no statements made by Hadi Choopan or US Immigration services as of yet.
