Our partners use technologies, such as cookies, and gather data that is browsing to provide you with the ideal online experience and to personalise the information and advertising.
Please let us know whether you agree.
Iran’s Saeid Mollaei says he worries for his family’s security after ignoring calls from Iranian authorities to pull from this World Judo Championships in Japan.
Mollaei said he was told to draw from his game against Russia’s Olympic champion Khasan Khalmurzaev to prevent the prospect of facing the Sagi Muki of Israel.
Iranian athletes are banned from competing in any sport against Israel.
“I might have been winner,” he said.
“I’ve been working hard.
“However, the National Olympic Committee of both Iran and the Sport Minister told me not to compete, I needed to obey the law.
“I’m a fighter. Wherever I could, I wish to compete. I reside. We’ve got no option; all athletes must comply with it.
“Even if the government of the country told me that I can return without any issues, I’m afraid. I’m fearful of what may happen to my loved ones and to myself.”
Mollaei, who was eventually knocked out in the semi-finals of their men of -81kg class by the Matthias Casse of Belgium, has left the contest in Japan and is now currently in Germany.
Muki beat the gold trophy to be won by Casse.
Before in 2019, the National Olympic Committee of Iran had said it would comply with the Olympic charter and statutes of the International Judo Federation (IJF), paving the way for Iranian athletes to compete against Israeli athletes.
Following last week’s events, IJF president Marius Vizer said Mollaei could compete in Iran’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics separately.
“First of all we will do everything to support the athlete so he can continue his career and participate in the Olympic Games,” Vizer told AFP.
“We can do our greatest that he’ll compete in the Olympic Games. Afterwards we’ll see in which team – there are various options, but one of them will be applied for the Olympics.”
Get reacquainted with a Dragon that’invests in people’
Check out the BBC Sport Live Guide for details of the live game on the BBC.
The way to get into martial arts – a blend of strength, strategy and art to ju-jitsu judo and beyond from karate and taekwondo.
Read more here: http://nemetvolgyiantikvarium.hu/?p=4457