Israel Withdraws Judo Team from World Championships Due to Injuries

The Israeli national judo team will not compete in the upcoming World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled to begin on October 4th. The decision was made primarily due to an injury sustained by top judoka Yuli Alma Mishiner (78+ kg) in her knee. Mishiner was already registered for the team competition, which takes place on the final day of the championships, but her absence significantly weakens the team in the heavier weight classes, leading to the professional decision not to participate.

Mishiner's injury is not the only setback for the team. Maya Kogan (70 kg) is also dealing with a knee injury, and her condition is described as more complex, ruling her out of upcoming competitions. Furthermore, Inbar Lanir (78 kg) and Gili Sharir (63 kg) are both in rehabilitation following surgeries, Lanir on her shoulder and Sharir on her knee.

Despite these challenges, Israel will still send 11 individual judokas to compete in the main event. The roster includes Gefen Primo (52 kg), Tamna Nelson Levy (57 kg), Inbal Shemesh (57 kg), Yitzhak Aspiz (60 kg), Kerem Primo (63 kg), Maya Goshen (70 kg), Ohad Mor (73 kg), Yonatan Elbaz (73 kg), Raz Hershko (78+ kg), Roy Shain (90 kg), and Yosef Seminin (100 kg). Hershko and Aspiz are noted as being part of the team's lineup for the individual competition.