Silver for former refugee judoka Mollaei (Mongolian) www.nhk.or.jp
In the Tokyo Olympics, Iranian-born judoka Saeid Mollaei has won the silver medal in the men's 81-kilogram category.
He's representing Mongolia at the Games after a long-running diplomatic row.
Mollaei lost to Japan's Nagase Takanori in the final match on Tuesday evening.
In the background is his claim that he was pressured by Iranian authorities to withdraw from the World Championships in 2019, to avoid the possibility of a match against an Israeli opponent.
Tehran does not recognize Israel as a state.
The sport's governing body responded by disqualifying Iran's judo federation. Mollaei competed as a refugee instead and eventually acquired Mongolian citizenship.
Twenty-nine athletes are competing in Tokyo on the Refugee Olympic Team. They say they want to send a message of hope to refugees around the world.
Refugee Olympic Team's Rose Nathike Lokonyen said, "We are all human beings, and we can do what others are doing as well. Because no one chooses to be refugees."
Another athlete from South Sudan said he wants to raise awareness and increase support for displaced people through the team's performance.
This is the second time the International Olympic Committee has formed a refugee team, following Rio in 2016.
Published Date:2021-07-27