Saeid Mollaei, dubbed “the hero of Iranian judo,” was forced by the Islamic Republic to give up his chance to win the championship so as not to play against an Israeli. And he has had enough.
Saeid Mollaei, dubbed “the hero of Iranian judo,” has now requested asylum in Germany.
Mollaei purposely lost a match in order not to face an Israeli judoka in world competitions in Tokyo in August.
He did so based on a rule in the Islamic Republic banning competition between Iranian and Israeli athletes, even though he didn’t want to forfeit the championship.
After losing, the Iranian Judoka has had enough.