Following Boycott of Israeli Opponents, Iran’s Judo Team Banned from Competing
The International Judo Federation slapped the Iran Judo Federation with a protective suspension from all “competitions, administrative and social activities organized or authorized by International Judo Federation and its Unions”.
Israel’s National Anthem Played at Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam
What a difference a year makes! Last year, Israel’s victorious judokas had to sing their own national anthem. This year, however, Hatikvah was played in Abu Dhabi for the first time ever. A sliver of light amidst the gloom.
WATCH: Iranian Wrestler Throws Match to Avoid Facing Israeli Opponent
Iranian wrestler Alireza Karimi-Machiani tanked a wrestling match at a tournament in Poland in order to avoid facing an Israeli opponent in the next round.
UAE Apologizes to Israeli Judo Team for Handshake Snub, But Not Banning Flag
The apology followed an incident in which UAE athlete Rashad Almashjari refused to shake the hand of Israeli athlete Tohar Butbul after losing to him in the first round.
Two More Judo Bronze Medals for Israel, But Still No Flag or Handshakes in Sight
Two more Israelis won medals at the prestigious Grand Slam Judo competition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and there was still no Israeli flag at the award ceremonies and no Israeli anthem played.
Israeli Athletes Win International Competition But Are Treated Disgracefully
Two Israeli athletes won medals on Thursday at the Grand Slam, a prestigious international Judo competition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), but were treated disgracefully at the presentation ceremony. The two young athletes handled it with grace, nonetheless.
Star of David, Blue and White Forbidden to Israeli Judokas in Abu Dhabi Tourney
Organizers of a major judo tournament in Abu Dhabi barred Israel’s team from donning national symbols and playing the Jewish state’s national anthem.
Israeli Olympian to Auction Rio Name Patch on eBay for Children’s Cancer Ward
Israeli Olympic bronze medalist Yarden Gerbi will auction the name patch she was wearing during her competition in Rio on August 9th to benefit the Children’s Oncology Department at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
Could Judo Become Israel’s Next National Sport?
Reuters sports reporter Ori Lewis speculates on whether judo could become Israel’s next top sport now that two Israeli judokas have won bronze medals in judo competitions at the Rio Olympics.
