Gold medal: Israeli judoka Sagi Muki wins 2019 World Championship

Aug. 28, 2019

Israeli judoka Sagi Muki won the 2019 World Championship on Wednesday, defeating Belgium's Matthias Casse.

Earlier, Muki overcame his Egyptian rival and ascended for the first time in his career to the final of the Judo World Championships in the 81 kg division.

Israel's Sagi Muki celebrates winning gold against Belgium's Matthias CasseCredit: \ KIM KYUNG-HOON/ REUTERS

Israel's Sagi Muki and Belgium's Matthias Casse compete.Credit: \ KIM KYUNG-HOON/ REUTERS

Sagi Muki wins the gold medal.

Muki's rival, Mohamed Abdelaal, refused to shake his opponent's hand at the end of the bout, opting to leave the mat after the Israeli extended his hand.

Earlier on Wednesday, reports circulated that Iran's Saeid Mollaei, who is ranked number one in the world and is the current champion, would step down before his semi-final match against the Belgian Matthias Casse as Iran unofficially boycotts competing against Israeli athletes.

Israel's Sagi Muki celebrates winning gold against Belgium's Matthias Casse.Credit: \ KIM KYUNG-HOON/ REUTERS

However, Molaei fought and eventually lost to Casse.