An Algerian judoka, Messaoud Dris, was dropped from the Paris Olympics judo competition for missing weight, forfeiting his match against Israeli judoka Tohar Butbul. The International Judo Federation declared Butbul the winner by walkover, sparking political implications due to the historic conflict between Algeria and Israel.
This incident mirrored a similar situation in the Tokyo Olympics, where another Algerian judoka withdrew to avoid facing Butbul, citing support for Palestine. The decision led to suspensions and controversy within the judo community.
Israel’s participation at the Paris Games has faced protests, but the IOC and French government supported their right to compete. Amidst tensions, Butbul’s opponents from Morocco and Tajikistan refused to shake hands with him, highlighting the underlying political tensions.
Despite being a promising athlete favored to win, Dris missed weight, leading to his departure from the Olympics. The IJF has a history of supporting Israeli athletes, emphasizing fair competition despite political conflicts.
The incident sheds light on the complex intersection of sports and politics, as athletes navigate contentious issues on the global stage.