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Iran Imposes Lifetime Ban on Weightlifter for Handshake with Israeli Competitor

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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.

Read Also: US sanctions Iran morality police over woman’s death

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
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FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving

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Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.

At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”

“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”

Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.

“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.

In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.

As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.

“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.

Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”

While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.

“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.

The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.

The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.

Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.

Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.

Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”

The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.

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