Israeli Judoka Muki Meets Iranian Rival Molai in Exhibition Match in Israel
Israeli judoka Sagi Muki and Iranian judoka Saeid Molai met again during the "Judo Without Borders" event held at the Arena Pais in Netanya, Israel. Molai traveled to Israel specifically to face Muki in an exhibition match attended by around 400 spectators, despite ongoing political tensions between the two countries. The two athletes previously were scheduled to compete at the 2019 World Judo Championships in Japan, where Molai, then the reigning world champion in the under-81 kg category, withdrew from decisive matches following instructions from the Iranian regime to avoid facing Muki. Molai's withdrawal allowed Muki to continue competing and ultimately win the gold medal, becoming world champion. This recent meeting marks a rare direct encounter between the two rivals under more amicable circumstances.
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