Iran announced it will adhere to the Olympic regulations and compete against athletes of any other country. Contrary to Iran's practice over the years, and for the first time, Iranians will face Israelis in Judo competitions

The Iranian Olympic committee announced in a letter send Saturday, to International Judo Federation President, Marius Vizer, that Iran intends to follow the regulations of the Olympic commission and compete against any country.

The international Judo Federation announced that after years of Iranian ploys to avoid competing against Israelis, the federation has decided to step up efforts to ensure fare competitions.

IJF President, Mr. Marius Vizer – here with the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vadimir Putin

Moshe Ponte President of the Israel Judo Association told Ynet:" we have been working for a long time on this and it is finally bearing fruit. The Iranians are committing to show up to every battle and maintain the spirit of the sport without feigning injuries or faking weight. We are pleased about that and are grateful to Marius Vizer. We hope other athletic fields will follow this lead.

Israeli Judoka Sagi Muki

Last February, then Iranian world champion, Saeid Mollaei, threw his semi-final match at the grand slam tournament in Paris, in order to avoid competing against Israeli Judoka Saki Muki. Muki went on to win a gold medal in the competition.