The Times of Israel reports: An Israeli judoka won a gold medal on Thursday at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam judo tournament, but was forced to celebrate his victory under the International Judo Federation’s flag due to a ban by the emirate on the display of Israeli symbols.
Tournament organizers also did not play Israel’s national anthem as Tal Flicker stood on the podium to receive his medal in the men’s under-66 kilograms (145 pounds) category. After he received his gold medal, Flicker sang his own “Hatikvah” as the International Judo Federation’s (IFJ) anthem played in the background.
On the women’s side, Gili Cohen won bronze in the women’s under-52 kilograms (114 pounds) class. The Israeli flag was not flown on her behalf either.
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