A judo competition in the United Arab Emirates has been reinstated after organizers promised equal treatment to Israeli athletes in the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, scheduled to take place from Oct. 25-27.
In July, the International Judo Federation suspended the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and an event in Tunisia after claims of discrimination against the Israeli team, whose athletes were not allowed to compete under their national flag.
The UAE, like many Arab countries, has no diplomatic ties with Israel.
On Monday, however, the international judo body issued a statement saying it was "pleased to announce that … the UAE Judo Federation confirmed in an official letter sent to the IJF that all nations participating in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam will [enjoy] equal conditions."
"The historic decision will thus allow all nations to display their national insignia and national anthem, including Israel," the statement said.
Last October, organizers of the Grand Slam tournament in Abu Dhabi refused to play Israel's national anthem when Israeli judoka Tal Flicker won a gold medal. He wore the IJF uniform and received his medal under an IJF flag while the anthem of the federation played in the background.
The International Judo Federation noted Monday that it "salutes the efforts of the UAE Judo Federation as well as the fair-play and mutual friendship and respect shown by the UAE authorities, which represent a huge step forward in establishing and promoting peaceful relationships between all nations of the world."
"Together with our partners from the United Arab Emirates, IJF remains committed to the fight against any discrimination in sport and to using sport as a tool for reconciliation and promotion of peace and moral values in the world, inspiring the new generations," the federation said.
