Iranian wrestler about to beat Russian, but his coach calling him, telling him to “lose.”

[SarahBS]

I HATE living in this country and I am ashamed to be an Iranian.


https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-hails-hero-wrestler-who-lost-match-to-avoid-israeli/

 

[AJ_]

Don't be ashamed, Sarah. No one should be defined or labeled based on where they were born. Maybe the wrestler was just choosing the route of pacifism and didn't want to make it a country vs. country deal.

 

[sprinkles]

Don't be ashamed, Sarah. No one should be defined or labeled based on where they were born. Maybe the wrestler was just choosing the route of pacifism and didn't want to make it a country vs. country deal.

They don't compete against Israel because doing so would recognize Israel as a state. Competing against them would be considered validating their legitimacy.

 

[SarahBS]

Don't be ashamed, Sarah. No one should be defined or labeled based on where they were born. Maybe the wrestler was just choosing the route of pacifism and didn't want to make it a country vs. country deal.

They don't compete against Israel because doing so would recognize Israel as a state. Competing against them would be considered validating their legitimacy.

It's not something we can actually choose. Sportsmen and sportswomen would go to jail if they choose to play with Israel. It's a political thing they cannot have a say on.