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International-UN-NGOs
Iranian judo agrees to end decades-long boycott of Israeli athletes
2019-05-12
[IsraelTimes] Historic commitment comes after talks with International Judo Federation over ’disturbing phenomenon’ of Iranians throwing matches.

In a historic move, Iranian judo officials have agreed to stop boycotting Israeli athletes on the mat, ending a practice that had drawn criticism against Tehran in the sporting world.

In a letter to the International Judo Federation published Saturday, Iran’s Olympic Committee and local Judo Federation agreed to "fully respect the Olympic Charter and its non-discrimination principle."

In a statement, the IJF said the letter came after several rounds of talks regarding the "disturbing phenomenon, which involves the sudden ’injury’ or failure of weigh-in of Iranian athletes," which it said was related to Iran trying to avoid meeting athletes from certain countries.

Neither Iran nor the IJF specifically mentioned Israel, but Iranian athletes have on several occasions forfeited matches to avoid facing Israelis, who have become increasingly relevant in the sport on the world stage.

Iran’s sports policy is an outgrowth of the country’s official refusal to recognize Israel. Its leaders routinely encourage the demise of the Jewish state and the countries are considered arch foes.

The IJF has in recent years stepped up pressure on Moslem boycotts of Israeli athletes, including refusals to host them or shake hands.

In 2018, the body stripped international competitions from the UAE and Tunisia over their refusal to allow Israelis to compete as Israelis.

The UAE later relented, resulting in the anthem Hatikvah being played in the country for the first time last year after Muki won the gold in the under-81 kg category.

In the letter to the IJF, the Iranian sports officials said they were negotiating with Iran’s parliament "to identify proper legal resolutions," seemingly in order to rescind the unofficial ban on competing against Israelis.

Iranians athletes have increasingly found themselves caught between domestic officials, who may punish them for competing against Israelis, and international officials, who will punish them if they forfeit matches. In recent years, an increasing number of Iranian athletes and coaches have spoken out against the policy.

The last competition between Iranian and Israeli teams on the international level dates back to a wrestling match in 1983 in Kiev, Ukraine.
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