Sagi Muki has won the gold medal in the 81-kilogram weight class at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam judo tournament in the United Arab Emirates, with which Israel has no diplomatic ties.
This is the first time in history that the Israeli delegation is competing with Israeli flags and national symbols, including the playing of the national anthem during the medal ceremony. Muki defeated Belgian Matthias Cass, whose Iranian opponent staged an injury 34 seconds into the semifinal, so as not to compete against an Israeli opponent in the final. On Saturday, Israel picked up three bronze medals.