Tokyo Olympics: Iranian Defector Dedicates Silver Medal To Israel

By i24
Posted on 07/27/21 | News Source: i24

Judoka Saeid Mollaei says he hopes 'the Israelis appreciate this achievement'

Iranian defector Saeid Mollaei dedicated his silver medal to Israel after competing in the final of the men’s judo 81-kilogram division on Tuesday at the Tokyo Olympics.

“This medal is also dedicated to Israel and I hope the Israelis appreciate this achievement,” Mollaei said, according to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster.

Mollaei, who represents Mongolia, claimed his first Olympic medal two years after leaving his native Iran after being ordered to lose in the semifinals of the 2019 world championships in Tokyo to avoid facing Israel’s Sagi Muki in the final.