Israel’s Peter Paltchik celebrates after winning the -100kg bronze match against Canada’s Shady Elnahas at the Judo – Paris International Grand Slam – at Accor Arena, Paris, France, Feb. 5, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

Egyptian judoka Karim Ibrahim pulled out of the 2024 Abu Dhabi World Championships Seniors in the United Arab Emirates last week due to his refusal to face an opponent from Israel.

Ibrahim 20, withdrew from the international competition after being drawn to compete against Israeli judoka Peter Paltchik in the individuals -100 kg category on Thursday.

The Egyptian athlete said that although he had hopes of winning “and achieving something in this tournament,” he has no regrets with his decision, which he first told his coach before announcing, Iran’s state-run Press TV reported. The judoka added that he was the youngest player in the tournament, and this was his first time competing in the World Judo Championships.

Many athletes from Muslim-majority countries have withdrawn from international competitions over the years after they were drawn to go head-to-head with an opponent from Israel, including Algeria, Iran, Syria, Tunisia, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon, Sudan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.