Israeli media hails historic arrival of Iranian-born judoka
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Jerusalem (AFP)
Israeli media on Tuesday hailed as historic the arrival of Iranian-born former world champion judoka Saeid Mollaei, who now competes for Mongolia and has criticised the Iranian regime.
The 2018 world champion Mollaei was embroiled in a political row when he was reportedly ordered by Iranian authorities to throw a match to avoid facing off with the Israeli Sagi Muki.
Muki went on to win the 2019 world 81 kg title as Mollaei came third without fighting him.
Despite coronavirus restrictions, Israel is hosting an international judoko tournament that begins in Tel Aviv on Thursday, featuring some 600 athletes from 63 countries.
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