Iranian Majid Kaban: "Wants to follow in the footsteps of Said Moulay" | Israel today

Two years ago, an exciting moment was recorded at the Tel Aviv Grand Slam.

The Iranian judoka Saeed Molai, who was forced to emigrate from his homeland after he was not given the opportunity to compete against Sagi Muki in the World Championship, stepped on the mat for the first time in Israel and received a lot of warmth and love throughout the day.

He went on to win the silver medal, doing so under the Mongolian flag.

Moulai, who competes in the weight category up to 81 kg, opened the door for dozens of other athletes, who gathered courage when they got on the plane and went to represent other countries so as not to continue to obey the restrictions imposed on them.

Two weeks before this year's Grand Slam in Tel Aviv, a delegation of refugees was also registered for the first time, including Mohammad Rashnonzahad (up to 60 kg), who immigrated to the Netherlands in 2017, and the Afghani Nigara Shaheen (63 kg), who is in the program of the world refugee team of International Olympic Committee (IOC), and previously took part in the Tokyo Games in the individual and team competition.

The third athlete is 23-year-old Majid Kaban, who competes in the weight category up to 66 kg. Three years ago Kaban decided to follow Moulay and left his homeland, and today he lives and trains in Scotland and hopes to make it to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.

Kaban started training in judo when he was 15 years old. He participated in several training camps of the Iranian national team, and has several national and international medals on his resume.

When he arrived in Scotland, he wanted to continue his sports career, being the national champion two years in a row and training every day with the national team.

Why did you leave Iran?

"I saw what Saeed Mulai did and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Saeed was a hero even before he came to Israel, and the move he made was a historic event. He followed his heart and wanted to continue competing in judo, against anyone in the world."

Aren't you afraid for your family?

"Said was familiar, but I'm just a beginner judoka so I don't think it's anything special. It could even be good for my family, they know I'm fine."

What is happening in Iran today?

"My people struggle and fight with the government for freedom, they sacrifice their lives for this cause. I want to be the voice of my people. I don't just fight in judo, I fight for my people in Iran."

Aren't you afraid to come to Israel?

"There's nothing to be afraid of. Our team, the refugee team, needs some help from Israel. It's hard to get a visa, but I hope I get it and get to compete."

Moulay, photo: Oren Aharoni

The competition is still in doubt

Although so far about 200 athletes from 30 countries have registered, the Grand Slam is still in doubt, after the Sports Ministry only received 2.7 million shekels for the event, instead of 6 million.

If a solution is not found in the coming days, the union and its chairman, Moshe Ponti, may announce its cancellation, which will harm relations with the World Judo Federation (IJF) and the holding of future events, including the World Championships planned to be held here in 2025.

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