IJF Investigates Weigh-In Issues at Olympics

The International Judo Federation (IJF) is investigating Algerian judoka Messaoud Redouane Dris for failing to make weight before his match against Israel's Tohar Butbul at the Paris Olympics, marking the third incident of an Israeli opponent being snubbed in recent competitions. Dris was disqualified after arriving 10 minutes late and being 400 grams overweight, which has sparked accusations of deliberate avoidance of competition due to political tensions. Israeli officials, including Olympic chief Yael Arad, labeled the incident a 'disgrace,' while Butbul expressed a desire for peace and the opportunity to compete with Algerian athletes in the future. Meanwhile, other athletes, such as Nurali Emomali from Tajikistan and Abderrahmane Boushita from Morocco, have also refused to shake hands with Israeli competitors, further highlighting the ongoing controversy. The IJF has emphasized that athletes become victims of broader political disputes, contrary to the values of sportsmanship. As the games continue, the fallout from these incidents raises questions about the intersection of sports and international relations.