Iran’s judo federation is banned from competition

The World

The ban comes after Iranian officials pressured defending world champion Saeid Mollei to withdraw from this year’s championship rather than face an Israeli opponent. Mollei refused and is now in hiding in Germany. The World’s Carol Hills explains.

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.