For 40 years, Iran has organized Al-Quds Day rallies to show Muslim solidarity against Israel, but this year, due to COVID-19, the event will be held online. The Iranian parliament has prioritized a motion called 'Confrontation against the Zionist regime,' banning Israeli software and cooperation with entities affiliated with Israel. However, a ban on Iranian athletes competing against Israelis was removed to avoid international sports disqualifications. The International Judo Federation had previously banned Iran for pressuring athletes to avoid Israeli competitors. Despite political tensions, Iranian and Israeli athletes Saeid Mollaei and Sagi Muki have formed a close friendship, symbolizing sportsmanship and peace.

The article discusses the high rate of judo matches ending in penalties at the Paris Olympics, with one in five fights concluding this way, a significant increase from the Tokyo Olympics. Brazilian judokas Rafaela Silva and Rafael Macedo lost potential medals due to penalties, sparking criticism from athletes and commentators like Flávio Canto. The International Judo Federation (IJF) defends the integrity of its arbitration despite complaints from various delegations, including Italy. The article highlights the ongoing debate over the fairness and impact of recent rule changes in judo, which aim to enhance athlete safety and encourage dynamic play but have led to dissatisfaction among competitors and spectators.

Madagascar's upcoming presidential election is marked by significant political turmoil, with President Andry Rajoelina seeking re-election amid allegations of electoral irregularities and opposition boycotts. The opposition, led by the Collectif des 10, claims Rajoelina's French nationality disqualifies him from running. The United Nations has criticized the use of force against protesters, and the High Constitutional Court's links to the ruling party have been questioned. The election sees Rajoelina facing off against former ally Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, with concerns about foreign influence, particularly from Russia and France, adding to the tension.

The International Judo Federation's World Tour continued in Antalya with a spectacular opening ceremony. Turkish judoka Vedat Albayrak thrilled local fans by winning gold in the under 81 kg category, defeating American Jack Hatton. Sezer Huysuz, president of the Turkish Judo Federation, awarded Albayrak his gold medal. Swedish judoka Anna Bernholm won gold in the under 70 kg category, while her compatriot Tommy Macías triumphed in the under 73 kg category. Austrian Magdalena Krssakova secured gold in the under 63 kg category. Kosovar Akil Gjakova executed an impressive ashi waza move to win by ippon.

The final day of the Judo Grand Slam in Astana's Barys Arena saw heavyweights excite the packed stands. Matvey Kanikovskiy won the under 100 kg category, his third consecutive gold in the World Judo Tour. Spanish judoka Tristani Mosakhlishvili topped the under 90 kg podium, while Japan's Izumi Mao claimed gold in the under 78 kg category, her country's first in Astana. China's Xu Shiyan triumphed in the over 78 kg class, and Tamerlan Bashaev repeated his victory from two weeks ago in the over 100 kg category. The Kazakh team concluded the event with seven medals, including a gold in the under 60 kg category, and the local audience fervently supported their athletes throughout.

Ukrainian athletes will boycott the World Judo Championships in Qatar due to the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian teams under a neutral flag. The Ukrainian Judo Federation criticized the International Judo Federation's decision, alleging that many of the Russian athletes are active military personnel involved in the invasion of Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee had recommended excluding athletes under contract to the armed forces of Russia and Belarus. The IJF plans to conduct background checks on participating athletes to ensure neutrality.