Tehran Times
Aug 15 2004

Iran’s Akhoundzadeh Finishes Fifth At Olympic Judo Meet

Tehran Times Sports Desk

TEHRAN (MNA) – Iran’s under-60kg judoka, Massoud Haji Akhoundzadeh,
who had a good start conceded two losses in his last fights, standing
fifth in 2004 Olympic Games in the Greek capital, Athens, Saturday.

He lost to his Georgian opponent in the quarterfinal and was stunned
by a South Korean player, who won by technical fall and ippon in just
one minute.

The Iranian won his opening fight against Jean Claude from Cameroon.

Akhoundzadeh, who rested in the first round won 3-1, sending the
Cameroonian packing.

He snatched his second victory by victimizing Armenian player Armen
Nazarian in the third round later on the day.

Akhoundzadeh disposed of his Greek opponent, booking a berth in the
quarterfinals. MIR-ESMAEILI FAREWELL

World judo champion Arash Mir-Esmaeili pulled out of 2004 Olympic
Games in the Greek capital as he was drawn with an Israeli player,
Ehud Vaks, Thursday.

Iran’s under-66 kg judoka was scheduled to meet a representative from
Israel in the opening round on August 15.

The unlucky Mir-Esmaeili said, “Although I have trained for months
and now enjoy an in-form build, I refused to face my Israeli rival in
sympathy with the oppressed Palestinian people. “I am not upset for
the decision I have made.”

Vice-president of the Iranian Judo Federation Seyed Abdoljalil Razavi
who expressed his deep regret over Mir-Esmaeili’s elimination said
the draw was for the Games is done by computer and nobody can
manipulate it.