Headlines
Iran Imposes Lifetime Ban on Weightlifter for Handshake with Israeli Competitor

Iran Imposes Lifetime Ban on Weightlifter for Handshake with Israeli Competitor
In a drastic move, Iranian authorities have issued a lifetime ban to a weightlifter from their country for the simple act of shaking hands with an Israeli competitor during an event in Poland.
Mostafa Rajaei, aged in his 40s, found himself at the centre of this controversy when he extended his hand in a gesture of sportsmanship to Israeli weightlifter Maksim Svirsky. The incident took place on the podium at the World Masters championship held in Wieliczka, Poland.
The National Weightlifting Federation announced this severe measure through a statement quoted by the state news agency IRNA, declaring that athlete Mostafa Rajaei is prohibited from entering any sports facilities in Iran for the rest of his life. Additionally, Hamid Salehinia, the head of the delegation for the competition, was dismissed from his role.
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This action comes against the backdrop of Iran’s enduring refusal to acknowledge the existence of Israel, its long-standing adversary, leading to stringent regulations that bar any form of interaction between Iranian and Israeli athletes. According to the IRNA report, Rajaei’s actions were deemed to have “crossed the red lines of the Islamic republic.” It’s noteworthy that the Iranian delegation had been sent to the event with the explicit support of the national weightlifting federation.
Rajaei boasts a history of representing his nation, having previously been a member of the Iranian national weightlifting team. His achievements include participation in the Asian Weightlifting Championships in 2015, hosted in Thailand.
In 2021, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, explicitly urged athletes to abstain from shaking hands with representatives of the “Israeli criminal regime” in order to secure medals. Over the years, Iranian athletes have employed various strategies to avoid encounters with Israeli counterparts in competitions, frequently resulting in disqualifications or the submission of medical certificates citing illness.
One striking instance is the departure of young chess prodigy Alireza Firouzja from Iran. The country’s chess federation prohibited Firouzja from participating in the 2019 world championship, fearing he would face an Israeli opponent. In response, Firouzja, now a naturalized French citizen, left Iran to continue his career on more inclusive terms.
Iran Imposes Lifetime Ban on Weightlifter for Handshake with Israeli Competitor
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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