The Israeli fighter defeated the United Arab Emirates’ Mahdi Alawlaki to claim his second consecutive World Games title, repeating his 2022 success in Birmingham.
By Shula Rosen
Israel’s Nimrod Ryder struck gold again Monday, winning the men’s under-77kg jiu-jitsu final at the World Games in Chengdu, China.
The Israeli fighter defeated the United Arab Emirates’ Mahdi Alawlaki to claim his second consecutive World Games title, repeating his 2022 success in Birmingham.
The result not only adds to Ryder’s long list of international achievements but also reflects Israel’s steady rise in global sporting arenas.
Ryder entered the competition as one of the favorites, having already earned multiple European and world championships.
Under the guidance of head coach Amir Buaron and assistant coach Tomer Elroy, he delivered a dominant performance throughout the tournament.
For the 28-year-old athlete, the final was more than just another victory. “I’m just an athlete — the real champions are the soldiers protecting our home,” he said after the medal ceremony. He noted that while the match itself was not especially demanding, it carried personal significance as “revenge” for a 2023 loss in Mongolia. “I can’t believe I did it again,” he added, smiling.
The achievement drew praise from Israel’s delegation head and Ayelet Federation president Arik Kaplan, who emphasized the wider impact of the win.
“He’s a world-class athlete — not only a multiple-time European and world champion, but now a two-time World Games gold medalist. This is a great source of pride for Israel, and we will continue striving for more top-level achievements in non-Olympic sports,” Kaplan said.
The 12th World Games, held from August 7 to 17, bring together athletes from across the globe in 34 sports and 60 disciplines, with 256 medal events in total.
Israel’s delegation has already collected seven medals: two golds, two silvers and three bronzes.
For Ryder, the latest triumph cements his standing among the sport’s elite. For Israel, it is another reminder of the country’s determination to excel and remain visible on the international stage — both in competition and in the pride its athletes carry for the nation they represent.
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