Israeli judoka Inbar Lanir dedicated her bronze medal at the 2025 Tashkent Grand Slam to Itzik Elgarat, a Hamas hostage murdered during captivity. His body was returned to Israel on February 27. The event marked a somber moment for Lanir and highlighted the national tragedy following the October 7 Hamas attack. Israel’s women’s judo team achieved notable success by winning three medals at the competition.
Israeli judoka Inbar Lanir has honored the memory of Itzik Elgarat, a murdered Hamas hostage, by dedicating her bronze medal victory at the 2025 Tashkent Grand Slam in Uzbekistan. Following her match, Lanir expressed, “I fought today to fly the flag in his memory.” This achievement follows her previous silver medal win at the Paris Olympics last year.
Itzik Elgarat, aged 68, was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, during a violent incursion by Hamas, which left 1,200 people dead in southern Israel. Elgarat was shot while in his safe room and subsequently taken hostage. Hamas returned his body, along with three other hostages, to Israel on February 27, following a negotiation leading to a ceasefire.
The forensic reports confirmed that Elgarat was murdered while in captivity. He leaves behind two children residing in Denmark, as well as a brother and two sisters. Notably, his sister, Rachel Dancyg, also lived in Nir Oz and survived the attacks.
In addition to Lanir’s medal, Israeli Olympic champion Raz Hershko secured fifth place in the women’s +78 kg category at the same competition. The Israeli women’s judo team concluded the tournament strong, earning three medals in total: silver for Inbal Shemesh, and bronzes for Timna Nelson Levy and Lanir.
Inbar Lanir’s dedication of her bronze medal to Itzik Elgarat underscores the personal and national trauma stemming from the violent events of October 7, 2023. As she competes, she carries with her not only a wish to excel in her sport but also to honor the memory of those lost to violence. The Israeli women’s judo team’s strong performance at the Tashkent Grand Slam reflects resilience amidst tragedy.
Original Source: www.algemeiner.com