The dramatic improvement unfolded as considerations over the safety scenario escalated. The delegation, which included Olympic silver medalist Raz Hershko and fellow nationwide staff standout Gili Sharir, had traveled to Uzbekistan to compete in one of many first main tournaments of the 2026 season. The Tashkent Grand Slam is taken into account an essential early-year occasion, providing precious rating factors and worldwide expertise.
In keeping with the directive, staff members and Israel Judo Affiliation chairman Moshe Ponte had been instructed to halt participation and depart Tashkent instantly on account of safety considerations. The staff complied and flew to a vacation spot in central Europe. The Israel Judo Affiliation didn’t problem an official response on the time of the report.
Earlier than the withdrawal, Sharir had come inside one victory of securing a bronze medal. She superior deep into the repechage rounds however in the end fell within the comfort ultimate to France’s Manon Deketer, who’s ranked tenth on the planet. A complete of 11 Israeli judokas had competed throughout Friday and Saturday earlier than the choice was made.
Hershko, who was scheduled to compete on the ultimate day of the match, didn’t step onto the mat following the safety order. The Olympic medalist had been one of many delegation’s central figures and a number one contender in her weight class.
Israeli judo has lengthy been one of many nation’s most profitable and constant Olympic sports activities, delivering medals and worldwide recognition over the previous three many years. From Yael Arad’s historic silver medal in 1992 to the golden triumphs of current years, this system has constructed a fame for toughness, self-discipline, and unity.
Beneath the regular management of the Israel Judo Affiliation, the lads’s and girls’s groups have turn into common contenders at European Championships, World Championships, and Olympic Video games. Even amid geopolitical challenges, the game continues to function a supply of nationwide delight and resilience.
In accordance with safety and security tips, the staff’s subsequent deliberate competitors is now anticipated to be the Grand Prix in Linz, Austria, scheduled for later this week.
