Sports
Tokyo Olympics: Palestinian Judo Fighter Quits The Olympics Instead Of Fighting His Israeli Opponent
Mohamed Abdalrasool has pulled out of Tokyo Olympics instead of facing Israeli fighter Tohar Butbul, becoming the second judo star to leave the games rather than face an Israeli opponent.
(L-R ) Sudan’s Mohamed Abdalrasool and Israeli fighter Tohar Butbul.
The 28-year-old was a no-show for his fight against 27-year-old Tohar Butbul in the 73kg class on Monday morning, July 26.
It comes after Fethi Nourine of Algeria quit the contest last week because he might have had to fight Butbul, saying he was protesting Israel’s treatment of Palestinians amid the long-running conflict between both countries.
Abdalrasool, ranked 469th in the world, has not given a reason for withdrawing from the fight, despite showing up for the weigh-in earlier in the day.
READ ALSO: #BBNaija6: $ex in the house is a no for me — Maria
Fethi Nourine of Algeria was originally due to face Abdalrasool in the opening round of the men’s 73kg content with the winner of that fight progressing to face Butbul. But the 30-year-old Algerian and his coach Amar Benikhlef announced their decision to withdraw from the contest on Thursday rather than risk facing an Israeli opponent.
Nourine later told Algerian TV that he didn’t want to ‘get his hands dirty and that withdrawing was the ‘right thing to do.’
‘We have worked hard to qualify for the Games, but the Palestinian cause is bigger than all that,’ he said.
‘My position is consistent on the Palestinian issue, and I reject normalisation, and if it cost me that absence from the Olympic Games, God will compensate.’
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Olumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
crime2 weeks ago
Armed Nigerian Policeman Caught On Camera Hiding Behind Wall During Bank Robbery In Kogi
-
Latest News4 days ago
President Tinubu Hosts Spectacular NPC Swearing-in: Edo’s Dr Tony Alyejina Steals the Show(Video)
-
health1 week ago
BREAKING NEWS: Former Health Minister Passes Away
-
Latest News2 weeks ago
Three Things You Must Keep Out Of Your Home At Night To Stop Poverty And Backwardness
-
Latest News5 days ago
Abubakar Momoh’s Remarkable Moments At FEC As Presidency Assures Of Better Days Ahead(Video)
-
Latest News21 hours ago
List Of Things Mosquitoes Don’t Like. Which Will Make Them Run From Bitting You
-
Latest News2 weeks ago
See How Much Some States Are Offering As New Minimum Wage For Workers
-
Latest News2 weeks ago
Netizens Criticize Wigwe’s Daughter For ‘Disrespecting’ VP Kashim Shettima During Family Memorial
-
Latest News2 weeks ago
Governor Bago’s Gesture: Mixed Reactions As Niger State Governor Kneels Before President Tinubu (Photo)
-
Business2 weeks ago
Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rates Today 5th March 2024
-
Latest News7 days ago
Ghen Ghen: Political Earthquake Looms As Ogbeide-Ihama Emerges As Potential Deputy To APC Candidate In Edo 2024