After the loss against an Israeli, Dris Messaoud finally explains himself

After the loss against an Israeli, Dris Messaoud finally explains himself
After the loss against an Israeli, Dris Messaoud finally explains himself


Algeria
– Algerian judoka Messaoud Redouane Dris was unfortunately eliminated from the 2024 Olympic Games before he could even enter the tatami. The athlete was scheduled to face Israeli Tohar Butbul in the first round of the -73 kg category, but a weight problem led to his elimination from the Olympic tournament.

During the weigh-in which took place the day before the competition, the International Judo Federation (IFJ) noted that Messaoud Dris had exceeded the weight limit for his category of 400 grams. This slight excess weight was enough to disqualify the Algerian athlete from the competition, thus depriving him of his fight against Butbul.

The judoka, for his part, clarified the situation during a television broadcast in Algeria on January 5, 2025. He confirmed that his elimination was due to this slight excess weight, thus brushing aside the rumors according to which he had avoided fighting the Israeli adversary. Dris made it clear that he had in no way made this decision for political reasons, unlike other athletes, notably the Algerian judoka
Fethi Nourinewho withdrew from the Tokyo 2021 Games to avoid fighting an Israeli judoka.

The IJF, in a statement, expressed its determination to ensure fair competition conditions for all athletes. Although Dris’ incident is regrettable, the federation reminded that such a weight problem could arise in any competition. She also announced the opening of an investigation after the Paris Olympic Games to examine the situation in depth.

It is important to emphasize that this type of incident is not isolated in the history of the Olympic Games. In 2021, during the Tokyo Olympics, four judokas failed to meet the weight criteria, which led to their elimination.

Supporters of Messaoud Dris and Algerian sport hope that this situation will not tarnish the image of Algerian judo. The judoka, despite this premature elimination, remains a respected and promising athlete, who will undoubtedly continue to prepare for future international competitions.

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“I could lose…”: Benchikha borders on ridicule

Belgium

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