NEW YORK POST
Iranian defector wins judo silver medal, dedicates win to Israel
by Yaron Steinbuch
July 28, 2021

An Iranian defector who won the Olympic silver medal for Mongolia in judo has dedicated it to Israel – saying “Thank you” in Hebrew for the country’s support. Saeid Mollaei left his native country after his coaches ordered him to lose in the semifinals of the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo to avoid facing the Israeli Sagi Muki in the final, the Times of Israel reported. The judoka moved to Germany before acquiring Mongolian citizenship. He told the Israeli Sports Channel that he appreciated all the support  he received from the Jewish state as he pursued his Olympic dreams. READ MORE

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