Turkish judoka refuses handshake with Israeli - details

Turkish judoka Omer Faruk Turgutlu refused to shake hands with Israeli Itamar Zeevi after winning in the first round of the Youth European Cup in Skopje. The incident occurred in the under-73 kg category. Turgutlu demonstratively ignored the handshake, violating judo principles. In other categories, Israelis Guy Nemshitz and Shahar Shemesh also lost to Turkish opponents. The IJF has not yet commented on possible sanctions.

At the Youth European Judo Cup in Skopje (North Macedonia), a political protest occurred: Turkish judoka Omer Faruk Turgutlu, after defeating Israeli Itamar Zeevi in the under-73 kg category, demonstratively refused to shake his opponent's hand. The incident took place in the first round of the competition, which brought together 317 young athletes from 33 countries. The refusal violates the principles of mutual respect (rei), which are the foundation of judo, and caused bewilderment among spectators and organizers. In other weight categories, Turkish athletes also won against Israelis: Guy Nemshitz lost to Necdet Salih Pala, and Shahar Shemesh lost to Furkan Salih Gul. No official comments from the International Judo Federation (IJF) regarding possible disciplinary sanctions have been received so far. Earlier, Kursor reported on the record place of the Israeli team at the World Fencing Championships.