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Sudanese judoka refuses to face Israeli opponent

Some athletes in the Middle East and North Africa face domestic pressures to refuse to face Israelis in competition.

Al-Monitor Staff
Al-Monitor Staff
Jul 26, 2021
Tohar Butbul of Team Israel and Arthur Margelidon of Team Canada compete during the Men’s Judo 73kg Repechage contest on day three of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Nippon Budokan on July 26, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.
Tohar Butbul of Israel and Arthur Margelidon of Canada compete during a men’s judo repechage match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Nippon Budokan on July 26, 2021, in Tokyo. — Harry How/Getty Images

A Sudanese judoka pulled out of his match against an Israeli opponent at the Olympics on Monday. It was the second time a martial artist refused to fight an Israeli at the marquee sports competition. 

Mohamed Abdalrasool was scheduled to face Israeli Tohar Butbul in the 73-kilogram (160-pound) men’s division in Tokyo, according to the official draw. However, Abdalrasool failed to show up for their match Monday, despite previously weighing in, The Associated Press reported. 

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