THU 28 - 3 - 2024
 
Date: Oct 29, 2018
Source: The Daily Star
Israeli anthem plays in Abu Dhabi after judo gold
Agence France Presse
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel’s national anthem was played at a judo tournament in Abu Dhabi Sunday after one of its athletes won gold in what was thought to be a first in the Gulf emirate.

The playing of the national anthem and Israeli Sports Minister Miri Regev’s attendance at the tournament were the latest milestones in the country’s bid for rapprochement with Arab states.

Her presence in the United Arab Emirates capital also marked the first time a minister from Israel attended a sports event in the Gulf, Israeli officials said.

It was the first time an Israeli delegation participated there under its national flag, after the International Judo Federation warned UAE organizers they would cancel the competition unless all athletes were allowed to participate on an equal footing.

Last year, tournament organizers in Abu Dhabi banned the flag and national anthem of Israel, which has no diplomatic relations with Gulf states.

Sagi Muki won gold Sunday at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and sang along to his national anthem as he stood on the podium.

He called it in remarks to Israeli television “one of the greatest moments of my career.”

Three Israeli judokas won bronze medals Saturday, the first day of the Grand Slam, with Regev given the honor of awarding the medals for one of the categories.


 
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