Manama: Azza Besbes, a Tunisian fencer, has become an instant heroine in her country and beyond after she refused to face an Israeli competitor.
Scores of Tunisians have been paying on social networks a rich and emotional tribute to the "deeply beloved daughter of Tunisia" for her courage and sense of sacrifice after she deliberately lost the confrontation with Israeli fencer Noam Mills on Tuesday during a final game in the world championship in Catania, Italy.
Azza, 21, next month, opted for the passive stance to ensure no punitive action is taken against her by the competent international sports authorities for not showing up at the duel.
Even though Mills was declared winner, she burst into tears, an Israeli site said, claiming that "in violation of fair play, a Tunisian fencer refuses to face an Israeli."
Azza, an Arab and African champion, was on the verge of reaching the semifinals of the Olympic Games in 2008.
Tunisia, like most Arab countries, has no diplomatic relations with Israel. Most Arab athletes refuse to play or compete against Israelis, arguing it would amount to a step towards normalisation of ties.
