Abu Dhabi to host Grand Slam event if it allows Israeli symbols

An apparent compromise has been reached between the International Judo Federation and the heads of the United Arab Emirates to return the judo Grand Slam event scheduled for October in Abu Dhabi.

Last month, the IJF suspended the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and the Tunis Grand Prix from its competition calendar, saying it wants to take a “firm and constructive stance in the fight against discrimination in sport.”

Last year, the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam was criticized for refusing to display Israel’s flag for the blue-and-white athletes and for not playing the Israeli national anthem when Israeli Tal Flicker took the gold medal in the under-66 kilogram category.

At the time, the organizers claimed that, due to security reasons, the Israelis couldn’t have their flag on their judo uniform and instead of having ISR by their names on the scoreboard and on their backs, they would have to take part as representatives of the IJF.

For the same reason, they explained that should an Israeli win a gold medal, “Hatikvah” would not be played.

When Flicker received his medal, the IJF played its own anthem in place of Israel’s.

Nevertheless, Flicker was seen singing “Hatikvah” from atop the podium.

The United Arab Emirates has no diplomatic ties with Israel and, like most other Arab countries, doesn’t recognize Israel as a sovereign nation.

As of this weekend, it seems that the Abu Dhabi competition will be returned to the Arab state under the following conditions: The Israeli flag will be present in every official place and “Hatikvah” will be played in the case of a gold medal by an Israeli athlete.