By Zhifan Liu
PARIS (Reuters) โ Judoโs governing body is to investigate why Algeriaโs Messaoud Redouane Dris failed the weigh-in for his under 73 kg bout with Israelโs Tohar Butbul at the Paris Olympics, saying athletes can become โvictims of broader political disputesโ.
The International Judo Federation said Dris arrived for the weight control session on Sunday 10 minutes before the deadline and was found to be 400 grams over the allowed weight limit to compete on Monday.
โFollowing the Olympic Games, a full review and investigation of the situation will be conducted and further action will be taken if needed,โ the IJF said in the statement on Monday.
โWe believe that sport should remain a realm of integrity and fairness, free from the influences of international conflicts. Unfortunately, athletes often become victims of broader political disputes which are against the values of sport,โ it said.
The Paris 2024 Summer Games are taking place amid pronounced security concerns and heightened geopolitical tensions, including over Israelโs war in Gaza following the Oct. 7 attacks led by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
Reuters could not immediately reach the Algerian Olympic delegation for comment.
The Israeli delegation said on Sunday it would continue to compete with the Olympic values in mind, adding โwe believe this kind of behaviour has no place in the world of sportโ.
In 2021, another Algerian, Fethi Nourine withdrew, from the Tokyo Olympics in order to avoid a potential fight against Butbul in the second round. He was then handed a 10-year ban by the IJF.
Sudanโs Mohamed Abdalrasool then did not show up to face Butbul in the Tyoko round of 32 bout despite weighing in earlier.
(Editing by Alison Williams)
Comments