Saeid Mollaei: Iranian Judoka Who Fled His Homeland Competes in Israel Under Mongolian Flag

Saeid Mollaei (also spelled Said) is a 29-year-old Iranian judoka who was competing in the Tokyo 2019 World Championships when his government ordered him to throw a match to avoid potentially competing against Israeli Sagi Muki. (Muki eventually won the world championship.) Mollaei refused the Iranian government’s demand and, fearing for his life, fled to Germany. He has since obtained Mongolian citizenship and competes under that flag. Recently, Mollaei competed in the Tel Aviv Grand Slam 2021 international judo tournament, winning the silver medal in his weight class. He reportedly plans to train in Israel in advance of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics (assuming it takes place).
 
Quotes: ” ‘They have been very good to me since I arrived. Today I have trained with the Israeli team and they have been very kind. That is something I will never forget,’ Mollaei said earlier this week, per the International Judo Federation (IJF).” | ” ‘This is not an honour but a stain of shame on your forehead that will stay with you forever, because you have turned your back on the ideals of the system, on your homeland, and are proud of it,’ said Arash Miresmaeili, president of the Iranian Judo Federation.”
 

Israeli world champion judoka Sagi Muki (right) greets
Saedi Mollei warmly upon his arrival in Tel Aviv.
 
Sources: Wikipedia, CNN.com
 
Learn more about Saeid Mollaei on Wikipedia. >>
 
Read “Iranian judoka Saeid Mollaei says he’ll never forget kindness of Israeli team ahead of Tel Aviv tournament” and watch the short video. >>  
Read “Winning silver in Tel Aviv, Iranian judoka ‘will never forget Israeli kindness’ ” >>
 
Top photo: Israel National News
Other photo: jns.org