Japanese government honors Egyptian judoka Mohamed Rashwan

CAIRO – 29 October 2019: Former Egyptian Judo champion, Mohamed Rashwan, received Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, during a ceremony held on Monday at the residence of the Japanese ambassador to Egypt.

Japan’s Ambassador to Egypt Masaki Noke presented the award to the Egyptian judoka in recognition of his active contributions to judo and the great role he plays in fostering relations between the Egyptian and Japanese peoples.

Egyptian Youth and Sports Minister, Ashraf Sobhi, attended the ceremony alongside the chairman of the Egyptian Judo Federation as well as a host of prominent Egyptian judo players.



Rashwan has been a well-known sports figure for the Japanese community since the Gold-medal match against Japan’s champion, Yamashita, during 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.



Back in 1984, Yamashita, who is now the president of the Japanese Olympic Committee, suffered an injury at his right calf before the game; however, the Egyptian champion did not target Yamashita's injured foot, which as a result cost him the game and the Gold medal.



Yamashita sent a video during the ceremony to congratulate the Egyptian judoka, saying he is an idol for the world of Judo.