Judo: What to Expect | Israel today

The Masters tournament in Qatar is a particularly prestigious opportunity to improve positions ahead of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The fruits of regional peace should be seen not only in the performance of the Israeli national anthem and the hoisting of the flag on Qatar soil, but also in a possible encounter between Sagi Muki who is coming back and his Iranian rival / friend Said Moulay, who represents Mongolia and awaits a final verdict on his homeland.

The two – if there are no exciting surprises – are set to meet in the semi-finals, and unlike previous times the battle is about to finally take place and produce a great history.

The tournament, which kicks off today with the participation of 400 athletes from 70 countries, including the biggest names in the industry, is the first opportunity since the corona for the Israeli delegation to show its strength in full force, without tricks and without sticks.

Today, 66 kg Baruch Shmailov, who will go into battle in the first round against Azeri Orhan Safarov, and Tal Flicker, who will meet the Brazilian Daniel Karganin, will start today.

Other notable draws determined that European champion Peter Plachik (up to 100 kg) was ranked first in the world and therefore automatically advanced to the second round. Uri Sasson (over 100 kg) received an unpleasant draw in the form of Olzibiar Dornbiar.

The rest of the Israelis received reasonable lotteries, and although the hopes are to return with three medals, the main goal of the professional team is to see the fitness of Sagi Muki recovering from injury, to continue to follow the women’s team in hopes of finally seeing sparks towards Tokyo, and of course – not catching on to Corona.

Moshe Ponti, chairman of the Judo Association, was in a good mood ahead of the tournament: “We brought Israeli flags with us in case problems arise, but I do not think they will arise.” End will close the circle and participate in the competition on Israeli soil?