Israel criticised on Monday the decision of the organisers of judo tournament in Abu Dhabi not to play the Israel anthem and prohibit the representatives of that country from wearing signs identifying their nationality.
According to the Israel‘s sports minister Miri Regev to the President of the International Olympic Committee, the organisers demanded that 12 Israel Judokas joining the mixed in the tournament on October 26 to 28 not to wear “ISR” letters on their kimono and that their national anthem not be played if they win the match.
“The demands run counter to the mandate of international sports federations, whose main goal is to separate politics and sport,” Regev protested thorough a letter.
“Any country that has the privilege of hosting an international competition is required to allow athletes to represent their country in an honorable manner and to ensure their safety,” Regev added.
According to Israel’s sports minister, Israel’s judokas team will visit to Abu Dhabi, but the sports minister won’t do it.
By 2015, the Israel federation had accepted the conditions of the Abu Dhabi tournament and its judokas had won worn kimonos in the colours of the international federation.
Israel Judo Federation said it never want to get involved in politics. It is hoped may participate the international tournament and to win for its country.
“Our goal is the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the competitions are a means to that goal. The important thing is to participate in the competition and to win, even more so in a country that doesn’t want to hear about Israel athletes.” Israel federation spokesman said.
Egyptian judoka Islam El Shehaby refuses to shake hand with Israel judoka Or Sasson after loss at Rio Olympics 2016. (right) (Source:www.thetimesofisrael.com)
United Arab Emirates on the other hand, it refused to comment on Israel criticism, it insisted that it doesn’t reconise Israel.
Egyptian judoka Islam El Shehaby was mocked out the arena in Rio Olympics after refusing to shake hands with his opponent from Israel, Or Sasson, in the last year.
Or Sasson defeated El Shehaby with two throws for an automatic victory, with about a minute and a half remaining in the match.
