Algerian judo wrestler Fathi Norine announced his withdrawal from participating in the Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020), refusing to face an Israeli wrestler.
Noreen decided to withdraw from the competition after being drawn against Israeli player Potpol Tahar in the 73-kilogram competition.
Noreen said in statements to the local Al-Bilad channel, "My position is consistent on the Palestinian issue, and I reject normalization, and if it cost me that absence from the Olympic Games, God will compensate us."
This is the fourth time that the Algerian champion has withdrawn against a competitor from Israel, as he withdrew from the third round of the World Judo Championship in 2018, which was also held in Japan, to avoid facing the same player.
Noreen (30 years old) is one of the most prominent wrestlers in Algeria and Africa, having previously won a number of championships, most notably the African Championship in the weight category of 73 kilograms in 2018.