Saeid Mollaei secured a silver medal in the men's 81 kg judo event at the 2020 Summer Olympics after transitioning through international asylum and citizenship processes. Born in Tehran in 1992 to ethnic Azerbaijani parents, his career path shifted significantly following public disputes with Iranian sporting authorities regarding match-fixing directives during world championship competitions.
Early Career and Initial Success
Mollaei began his formal training at age 10 in 2001 at the Persian Gulf Judo School under instructor Mehrdad Hassanzadeh. He established himself as a competitive force by winning bronze medals at the 2015 and 2016 Asian Championships, followed by a silver medal in 2017. He further solidified his standing by earning a bronze medal at the 2017 Budapest World Championships and becoming the 2018 gold medalist at the World Championships in Baku.
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During the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo, Iranian officials, including the Sports Minister and leadership from the national federation, commanded Mollaei to intentionally lose his semi-final match. The objective was to prevent a potential match against Israeli champion Sagi Muki. Fearing retaliation, Mollaei did not return to Iran, arriving in Europe with a German visa in August 2019. This incident prompted the International Judo Federation to impose an indefinite ban on Iran, citing a grave violation of its statutes.
Naturalization and Olympic Representation
Following his move, Germany granted him asylum in November 2019. Shortly thereafter, he accepted an offer of Mongolian citizenship from President Khaltmaagiin Battulga. Under the Mongolian flag, he continued his pursuit of international titles, training with the Israeli national team ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Games. He dedicated his subsequent Olympic success to Mongolia and Israel. By May 2022, he shifted his national representation to Azerbaijan.
Public Advocacy
Beyond his athletic career, Mollaei has utilized his platform to address political concerns. In early 2026, he issued statements supporting the 2025–2026 Iranian protests. His public stance, which included harsh criticism of Iranian leadership, marked a continuation of the friction that defined his post-2019 athletic trajectory.
Fast facts
- Born: 1992, Tehran
- Sport: Judo
- Olympic Medal: Silver, 2020 Summer Olympics
- Citizenships: Iran, Mongolia
- World Championship Gold: 2018, Baku
- Asylum Granted: 1 November 2019, Germany
- Current Representation: Azerbaijan
Questions readers ask
Why was the Iranian Judo Federation banned by the IJF?
The federation was banned indefinitely for ordering Mollaei to lose a match in 2019 to avoid competing against an Israeli athlete.
Which countries has Saeid Mollaei represented in international competition?
Mollaei has competed for Iran, Mongolia, and Azerbaijan.
Achievements
- Competed at judo at the 2020 Summer Olympics – men's 81 kg, judo at the 2016 Summer Olympics – men's 81 kg and judo at the 2020 Summer Olympics – mixed team event
- Discipline: judo
