Iranian Defector Dedicates Silver Medal In Judo To Israel
Iranian Defector Dedicates Silver Medal In Judo To Israel
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Iranian judoka Saeid Mollaei, who competed for Mongolia, has dedicated his silver Olympic medal to Israel for its support since he defected from Iran two years ago.
Mollaei left Iran and took on Mongolian citizenship after Iranian trainers ordered him to lose a match in the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo to avoid facing Israeli opponent Sagi Muki in the finals.
In an interview with a sports channel, Mollaei — who won the Olympic silver medal in the men’s 81-kilogram division —said, “Thank you to Israel for the good energy. This medal is dedicated also to Israel. I hope the Israelis are happy with this win.”