Abu Dhabi : A Moroccan Joduka refuses to shak hands with her Israeli opponent

Moroccan Judoka Aziza Chakir left by the end of the fight she lost at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2017, to avoid greeting her Israeli opponent, Shira Rishony. The latter simply shrugged her shoulders.

This situation was not the only problem for the Israeli delegation. France TV Info reported that the 12 members of the Israeli team had to compete wearing kimonos that did not have the SRI sign (the three letters designating Israel in sports competitions),and wore instead ones that had the International Judo Federation sign (IJF) on them.

In addition, when the Israeli judoka Tal Flicker climbed on the top step of the podium, the anthem of the Judo Federation was played. It is also the flag of the same Federation which has been hoisted. Tal Flicker then sang the Israeli anthem himself.

Morocco was ranked 30th by the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2017.