Kuwaiti Jiu-Jitsu Gold Medalist Refuses Handshake With Israeli Athlete: ‘We Do Not Respect Them At All’
An aerial view shows Kuwait City, Kuwait, March 16, 2020. Photo: Reuters / Stephanie McGehee. Kuwaiti jiu-jitsu gold medalist Jassim Alhatem refused to shake hands with Israeli bronze medalist Yoav Manor at the Abu Dhabi…
Assessment
A Kuwaiti athlete’s refusal to shake hands with an Israeli competitor at an international sports event highlights the persistent politicization of sports in the Middle East. The incident, posted on video by the Kuwaiti medalist himself, signals a deliberate public statement beyond the competition. It raises questions about how governing bodies will handle such displays of political boycott at future events.