Prefer Jewish News on Google
Iranian judo defector dedicates Olympic medal to Israel
Saeid Mollaei, who fled Iran after being ordered to avoid facing an Israeli, thanks the Jewish state for its 'good energy'
An Iranian judoka ordered to avoid facing an Israeli opponent by intentionally losing his match has dedicated his latest medal to Israel.
The message from Saeid Mollaei, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics this week, came as athletes from two other Muslim countries appeared to drop out of the competition after being drawn against an Israeli challenger.
Neither Algeria’s Fetih Nourine nor Mohamed Abdalrasool from Sudan appeared for their matches after being scheduled to face Israel’s Tohar Butbul.
Nourine was suspended by the International Judo Federation but there was no immediate response on Abdalrasool, whose team told Butbul he had a shoulder injury.
The apparent boycotts were a reminder of the Iranian athlete Saeid Mollaei, who was pressured at the World Judo Championships in 2019.
He had to flee Iran and seek refuge in Europe after being ordered to lose and avoid facing an Israeli opponent.
Mollaei, who went on to become a citizen of Mongolia, won a silver medal this week for his adoptive country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after several months training in Israel.
“Thank you to Israel for the good energy. This medal is dedicated also to Israel. I hope the Israelis are happy with this win.”
He added a word of thanks in Hebrew —“Todah” — in an interview with the Israeli Sports Channel.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
