Rio Olympics Judo: Defeated Egyptian Refuses To Shake Hand of Israeli Opponent

The Rio Olympics have so far been a great success in terms of athletic performances and inspiring journeys. This Friday however the Middle Eastern political conflict reared its ugly head at the centre stage of the sporting worlds biggest event. In a gesture that shocked all present in the arena and on live television, a defeated Egyptian Judoka refused to shake hands with his Israeli opponent on Friday.

The Israeli +100kg Judoka easily defeated his Egyptian opponent El Shehaby with 2 convincing throws. As the Israeli was declared the winner, the Egyptian refused the Judo custom to bow to the opponent and then as the Israeli Judoka extended his hand, he turned his back, shook his head and walked away.

The referee asked him to come back, and he did, just to quickly nod with the head and walk off, to the boos of the Rio de Janeiro crowd.

Both athletes refused to make a comment about the incident.

The Israeli Sasson would end up losing to eventual Olympic Champion Teddy Riner of France, but he still won the bronze medal.

El Shehabyis know as an ultraconservative Salafi Muslim and had received numerous threats on social media to not face the Israeli.

After days of reflection, he made his decision to face him, eventually losing.