Another medal for Israel: At the end of a day filled with especially successful matches, Ori Sasson beat the Cuban competitor in the consolation fight, earning the bronze medal.
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He was loudly booed after refusing to bow or to shake the Israeli’s hand – a violation of judo etiquette.
Competitors in the Japanese martial art typically bow or shake hands at the beginning and end of a match as a sign of respect.
After losing to Sasson in the first round in the 100-kilogram competition, Shehaby was so disappointed that he did not stand up from the mat at first.
EGYPTIAN fighter Islam El Shehaby was in a tough spot entering his first-round match against Israel’s Or Sasson in the judo competition in Rio.
“Egyptian media pressure was huge on him before the bout”.
Or Sasson of Israel and Islam El Shehaby of Egypt compete in judo at the Rio Olympics.
Nicolas Messner, a spokesman for the International Judo Federation, said in fact judokas are not obligated to shake hands under IJF rules, only to bow, which El Shehaby did after he was called back.
“In the past, it is not sure that a fight between those two athletes would have taken place”. “This is already a big improvement that Arabic countries accept to (fight) Israel”, a spokesman told Mashable.
Messner also noted that although it is customary, there is no obligation to shake hands.
“Nevertheless, his attitude will be reviewed after the Games to see if any further action should be taken”.
Although handshaking wasn’t required, El Shehaby’s demeanor was deemed unsportsmanlike.
He refused to speak to journalists after his fight.
This is not the first time Arab Olympians in Rio have stirred controversy with their behavior toward Israeli athletes.
Sasson has faced another Egyptian, Ahmed Wahid, twice in the previous year, each fighter winning once.
He refused to comment on the incident afterwards. Some saw the photo as emblematic of the “Olympic spirit”, as the two nations are formally bitter enemies.
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The Saudi Arabian team claim she pulled-out due to injury.
