Israeli beach volleyball team to compete in Qatar
Israeli sportsmen will compete under the Israeli flag for the first time in an Arab country.
The FIVB Beach Volleyball Qatar Open will take place in Doha between April 5 and 8, hosting 69 men's teams from 33 countries, according to FIVB's website.
Sean Faiga and Ariel Hilman, competing under the Israeli flag, entered to qualify in the international tournament in November, according to the site.
Faiga and Hilman will need to win two matches in order to advance to the main draw in Qatar as they continue their pursuit to qualify for the Rio Olympics.
The men's only $75,000 reward event starts on Monday at the Qatar Beach Volleyball Academy in the Al Gharafa Sports Club.
The semifinals and medal matches and awarding ceremony will conclude the event on Friday evening.
Israeli sports teams had competed in tournaments in Arab countries before, but on no occasion had the Israeli flag been raised during these tournaments, Ma'an News Agency has reported.
Two years ago, an Israeli flag was spotted in Qatar during the FINA Swimming World Cup.
Israeli swimmers were participating at the event at the Hamad Aquatic Center.
The Israeli flag was removed from outside the venue shortly after pictures of it went viral on social media.
I'm surprised this story didn't create a bigger fuss..
Bar Refaeli and Gal Gadot are sexy
Israel has brilliant minds. It was an Israeli company who helped the FBI crack the iPhone. Their sport achievements are neglectable.
So whats the big attraction?...is there any apart from sweaty men jumping around for balls.
Only female beach volleyball is worth watching