Egyptian athlete refuses to shake hands with Israeli athlete
Quote:
An Egyptian judo player declined to shake hands with his Israeli opponent after their match on Friday, eliciting jeers from the audience.
Or Sasson of Israel defeated Islam El Shehaby of Egypt in a first-round match in the heaviest weight class.
After a moment of prayer, El Shehaby got up and seemed reluctant to perform the traditional bow to his opponent. Eventually, he gave a quick nod and left the mat. A judge and referee urged him to return.
Sasson then approached El Shehaby with his hand extended, but El Shehany backed away. After a moment, Sasson gave up.
Throughout the competition, as at all judo matches, competitors have bowed to each other, often multiple times. To decline a handshake is extraordinarily unusual and a serious breach of judo etiquette.
