The Iranian government has praised one of the country's wrestlers for intentionally losing a match so he would not have to fight an Israeli opponent in the next round.

Alireza Karimi Mashiani was described as "a source of pride and praise", and the country’s wrestling federation called him a “hero” for "sacrificing" his match in the 86-kilo category of the under-23 world championships in Poland at the weekend.

Iran does not recognise Israel as a country and forbids athletes from competing against Israelis. This explains why Karimi Mashiani lost his bout against Russian Alikhan Zabrailov, despite appearing to be in the lead.

Karimi Mashiani's coach was heard by spectators telling him from the sidelines to “lose” to the Russian so he would not have face Israel’s Uri Kalashnikov in the next round.

Iranian wrestler Alireza Karimi about to beat Russian, but will have to face Israeli next round. His coach his calling him from the sidelines, telling him to “lose.” Iran forbids its athletes to play Israeli’s. Iranian wrestler gives up. pic.twitter.com/nX9KHaH8Jn

— Thomas Erdbrink (@ThomasErdbrink) November 27, 2017

The Iranian wrestling federation said that he had “stood against the oppression of the Palestinian people.”

Karimi Mashiani isn't the only athlete to avoid an Israeli competitor. Last year Saudi-Arabian Olympian Joud Fahmy allegedly pulled out of a match in order to avoid facing an Israeli opponent.