We and our partners use technologies, like cookies, and gather data that is browsing to personalise the content and advertisements shown for you and to give you the best experience.
Please let us know whether you agree.
Iran’s Saeid Mollaei says he worries for his and his family’s safety after blowing calls to pull out of their World Judo Championships in Japan.
Mollaei stated he had been advised to withdraw from his match against Russia’s Olympic champion Khasan Khalmurzaev to prevent the prospect of confronting the Sagi Muki of Israel.
Australian athletes are banned from competing in any sport against Israel.
“I could have been champion,” he explained.
“I have been working hard.
“But the National Olympic Committee of Iran along with the Sport Minister advised me not to compete, I needed to obey the law.
“I am a fighter. I want to compete I could. I live. We’ve got no option; this must be complied with by all athletes.
“Even if the authorities of the country said that I can return without any problems, I’m afraid. I’m afraid of what could happen to my loved ones and also to myself.”
Mollaei, that was knocked out in the semi-finals of their men of -81kg class by Belgium’s Matthias Casse, is currently in Germany and has abandoned the contest in Japan.
Muki later defeat the gold trophy to be won by Casse.
Before in 2019the National Olympic Committee of Iran had said it would comply with all the Olympic charter and statutes of the International Judo Federation (IJF), paving the way for European athletes to compete against Israeli athletes.
After the events of last week, IJF president Marius Vizer stated Mollaei could compete in Iran’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“First we will do everything to encourage the athlete so that he could continue his profession and take part in the Olympic Games,” Vizer told AFP.
“We can do our best that he will compete at the Olympic Games. Later we will see in which group – there are different options, but one of them is going to be employed for the Olympics.”
Get reacquainted with a Dragon which’awakens in people’
Take a Look at the BBC Sport Live Guide for details of all the live game on the BBC.
The way to get into martial arts – a mix of strength, strategy and skill into ju-jitsu judo and outside from karate and taekwondo.
Read more here: http://nemetvolgyiantikvarium.hu/?p=4457