Tatami (2023)

[bunniefuu]

A very big welcome to this

WJA World Judo Championships

here in Tbilisi, Georgia.

This unique city located at the

crossroads of Europe and Asia

plays host to this

World Judo Championships

at the Tbilisi Sports Palace.

And a big 'Hello' to my

co-commentator Chloe Cowen

who will be with me for

all of the judo action today.

And Chloe, we're looking forward

to some great match-ups, aren't we?

Yeah, we certainly are.

I'm delighted to join you, Neil.

This evening, it's the Strong Weight

category - the under 60 Kg.

Leila!

- Hi

- Hi

- How are you?

- I'm good. How are you?

Good! Good!

I thought maybe I will see

you in Budapest or Vienna.

Oh, yeah, I know.

I needed more time

for this f*cking knee to heal

- Yes, I know this feeling.

- Yes.

How is your little boy doing? Right?

Yes, yes, he is very good.

Thank you.

He is with my husband right now.

They are watching from home.

- Good, good... nice.

- Yeah.

And...

Your boyfriend?

- No... Yeah, no...

- I forgot his name.

It's over. It's over, actually.

Oh, it's done?

Yeah, it's all good.

It just didn't work with all my

scheduling and travelling, and...

Yes, I...

You know, I think maybe you

will find someone who is...

- understands this crazy life, yes.

- I hope so.

Yeah...

OK. I'll let you get ready.

Very nice to see you.

You as well, yes.

Good luck tonight.

Same.

Well... she's got to be

one the favourites for sure.

She's on the opposite side of the draw.

Guys! It's Leila!

Hello there!

- Leila!

- Hi Leila!

Hey, Leila!

- Say 'hi' to mama!

- Mama!

Hi, sweetheart!

- Leila!

- We're all at Justina's.

Leila! Listen! Leila!

- Say it!

- The medal is in your pocket already!

Leila!

Did you listen to the tracks I sent you?

Of course, I did.

They're all in my head right now.

That's my girl!

Listen, we'll all beat you up

if you don't come back with a medal!

Thank you, guys

for being there for Nader and Amir.

I've got to go now. Love you all!

I'll hand over the phone to Nader.

Bye! Break a leg!

Nader, send me good vibes.

Talk to you later.

- Cheers!

- We're all with you.

Love you, sweetheart.

Good luck!

I love you.

Bye!

60.3 kg.

How long does she have to make 60?

You have 20 minutes.

- 59.8 kg.

- Yes!

Thank you.

You'll pounce on every

opportunity she gives you to attack.

You control the pace of

the match. You're the boss.

Don't forget about the arm.

Use her arm as a lever.

Then lock your hand behind her arm.

Work hard.

You're 10 times stronger than her.

Deep breath.

Next on Tatami 1!

In the white -

from the Islamic Republic of Iran

Hosseini.

In the blue - from Hungary

Kovac.

On Tatami 2

In the white - from Israel

Lavi.

In the blue - from Turkey

Hessin.

Here they come.

Hosseini is first one out.

And Kovac is following.

Shani Lavi, also

coming out for her first-round match.

And here we go.

This World Championship well and truly...

underway.

This is gonna be a great match.

It really is important as well.

Our first match-up,

and it's the opener.

Yeah. Well, it's gonna be a straight

knockout, so whoever wins this

is gonna have a chance to go through.

Lose, well, it's all finished.

And that's it, it's going

to be all over for her.

How important is it with the grips here?

Now she's got the sleeve.

Open up your collar!

The arm over the top there.

And that's how she comes

in for her big Uchi Mata.

She's got great technique, Hosseini.

She's got the grip.

And look at that!

Great technique! Look at that!

Uchi Mata!

What an Uchi Mata that was!

Brilliant stuff from Hosseini!

And well, Kovac cannot believe it.

Her World Championship is all over.

Yeah, the Hungarian there,

really... it was...

It was gonna be close when we

looked at them coming through

You know, it could have gone either way.

But Hosseini of Iran,

well, she's on fire.

Absolutely, it was all in the

body language, wasn't it?

She came out. She took the sleeve.

She took in the lapel.

And the high lapel grip

there just led her into that.

That was amazing!

Nice job!

That was great!

I'm sure I'll beat her.

I've got a different feeling today.

Obviously!

None of them are a match for you.

We can make history today.

Don't forget to drink water.

You haven't taken in enough fluids today.

Yes, ma'am!

That was the right attitude.

You should constantly attack them.

Keep moving.

You should move around all the time.

The pace is everything.

Pace, movement, attack!

Yes, ma'am!

- Relax.

- OK.

Take a deep breath.

Well done! You were great!

- You were fantastic!

- Thanks.

Time to warm up.

You're perfect on the ground.

Leila, Leila, it's Nader on the phone -

Do you want me to tell him to call later?

No, let me talk to him for a minute.

Thanks.

Excuse me.

- Hey, babe.

- Hello, my life.

You were just amazing!

This was just the first round.

But keep praying for me!

I've got a great feeling, Nader.

I'm all for your good feelings, sweetie.

Everyone is so excited here.

- More friends are coming soon.

- Really?

- Let me see them!

- Hold on!

- Can you see everyone?

- Hello!

Wow, you guys are having a good time!

Where is Amir? Is he still up?

Poor boy fell asleep.

I'm sure he'll watch each one of your

matches a thousand times tomorrow.

- Any news of mom and dad?

- Yeah.

They're sitting in front of the TV as well

Don't worry about it, Leila.

Everyone is watching you!

Just focus on what you have coming up.

All right, fine.

Take care, my love.

I will. Kiss them all for me!

- Love you.

- Bye.

Next on Tatami 1!

In the white

Gauthier of France then in white

and Hosseini in blue, this time.

Well, this is gonna be a

tough match for Hosseini of Iran.

We know Gauthier of France

is one of the favorites coming

into this World Championships.

Yeah, it's gonna be all about the grips

and, well, whether Hosseini

can change the flank...

she'll be expecting that

Uchi Mata won't she, Gauthier...

Get the back of her neck, Leila!

Maryam Ghanbari there

has been Leila Hosseini's coach...

From... well, just a young girl.

And she has been with

her every step of the way.

Top fighter herself...

and had to retire through injury

That was really tragic.

Because she was all set for

big, big things.

Don't give up! Don't you dare, Leila!

All of her power going into coaching

one of the bright stars, Leila Hosseini.

She looks really determined

Yes, that's the spirit!

Absolutely focused.

I don't think I've ever

seen her as focused.

She got the sleeve

Got the lapel!

Is she gonna change the direction?

Get her collar, Leila!

Yeah. Well, she's getting some good

support there from her coach.

And that's what's important

for her to stay focused.

She has a plan so she

knows where she's going.

That's what it's about, isn't it.

It's all about the plan.

Now...

Go on! You've got this!

Break her guard! Break her guard!

Move around!

Careful with the instructions there...

Now she is set up.

What's gonna happen from here?

She's all yours! Yes!

Get her good!

Yes!

What a change of direction!

Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi!

What a great technique that was!

Incredible, Neil.

Absolutely perfectly timed.

She can't believe it.

She fainted one way.

She almost thought

the Uchi Mata was gonna come.

She'd been watching

that first round match.

And then, all of a sudden

she changes the direction.

And that puts her through

to fight Fortier in the next round.

Well, incredible performance

there from Hosseini

and I can't wait to

see how she gets on now.

On the other match as well...

Lavi is making her way through.

Great stuff there from Lavi.

Yeah, I just think

it's incredible. I mean...

I didn't expect Hosseini to win

that one. But she is on fire today.

You were great! Next time

you get stuck in that position...

- Just give the opponent a shock and...

- They're trying to contact you.

- We're talking here.

- It's Mr. Taheri. It's urgent!

- Go straight for...

- Can you talk to him? He says it's urgent

- I'll be right with you.

- OK.

- Hi, Mr. Taheri. How do you do?

- Wonderful.

With the kind of start you had.

- Yes, it's going great.

- Fantastic!

She says it herself.

She's got a great feeling today.

Well, I've only got a few minutes.

We've got the third round coming up.

- Well, there's an important matter...

- Yes?

I'm sure you'll help us deal with it.

The fact that Mrs. Hosseini's

got a great chance today...

is unfortunately

a tad concerning as well.

Why is that?

You know the rules yourself, ma'am.

I'm not sure I follow, sir.

- She should withdraw.

- Why now?

- The odds of facing the Occupying Regime!

- But why now?

Because there's a chance

she might face Shani Lavi.

You can't expect this now!

She's about to win a medal this evening!

Ms. Ghanbari!

Do you realize how long she's

trained for this championship?

It could be due to an injury.

She's gonna get you

a gold medal! It's not about her...

or the team anymore.

It's about our entire nation!

For our government,

she should sit this one out.

- All eyes are on her now.

- You can't expect this!

Stop arguing with me, Ms. Ghanbari!

We expect your cooperation.

She'll get out of the

tournament if she gets injured.

There is always the next

competition for her to look forward to.

- I'm sorry, Mr .Taheri, but...

- Stop it!

- Will you listen to me for a minute?

- Wait for our next instructions.

Just hear me out, sir!

- I said 'Stop her'!

- Hello?

Hello?!

Moron!

We're here to see off our

Women's National Judo who are heading towards

the World Championships.

I take this opportunity

to invite our captain,

Mrs. Leila Hosseini,

to join me on stage.

Thank you, Minister Sadeghi, and thanks

to the Head of our Association, Mr. Taheri

First of all, I'd like to invite all

of my teammates to join me up here.

Zahra Rashidi.

Mina Katesari.

Mitra Rahbar.

Negar Hashemi.

And also our brilliant

coach, Ms. Ghanbari,

who is a real role model for us.

Is everything all right?

- Focus on your work.

- Sure.

Good.

Remember! On the ground or on

your feet you should get to her hand.

She can't do anything with just one hand.

Hold onto one of her hands at all times.

Don't give her a Shimo though.

Or a Kansetsu-Waza.

Be active!

She shouldn't get to your waist.

Don't let her get her guard up.

If she does, be more active.

You should bring her guard down.

Manage the match.

It's all in your hands.

You're on top.

Just don't go for her right hand.

Only the left hand...

She's yours!

Next on Tatami 1!

In the white -

from the Islamic Republic of Iran

Hosseini.

And in the blue - from Canada

Fortier.

Well, she's got her

work cut out this fight.

I can tell you, Fortier of Canada...

So physically strong.

I mean, she really is a unit.

And well, you can see here

big advice on the way out there.

And she's gonna need every little bit

of her tactics here to win this match.

Yeah, Fortier of Canada

for me she is the favorite.

And although she might be smaller

in height, she's definitely stronger.

- Sleeve! Sleeve!

- Hosseini is on a good run.

She's had two Ippon wins.

Get your sleeve out!

And now...

she's trying to get through...

- 'MATE'

- into the next round...

Remember - if you lose

at this stage it's all over.

But look at that concentration!

Don't let her lock you!

Look at this lady here -

Fortier of Canada.

They'll have to grip up.

If they don't grip up...

Then there's the

possibility of penalties.

If she stands any chance here,

it's gonna be to go to ground.

Now then!

She's got a great chance here!

She's gonna go for the Juji-gatame!

Is she locked on?

- Go on! Go on!

- Yes I think she is locked on!

And now it's all about getting

the head to go in the opposite direction.

She is hooked into the arm...

Can she get it out straight.

It's all about applying

pressure to that arm!

It's looking good, Neil. I don't know how

long the referee is gonna leave this for.

Wow, it's all about keeping it going here.

She's got the arm out straight.

And she did get submission!

Hosseini has taken out Fortier...

You were fantastic! Well done!

I'm guaranteed a medal now!

I knew I could beat her!

I told you this is my championship!

Don't worry! I won't let you down!

Ms. Ghanbari,

your phone keeps ringing.

- You didn't answer, did you?

- No, it'd be best if you answered it.

Thanks!

You did well!

Ghanbari, what's going on over there?

Stop this nonsense!

Or else you'll pay for this.

Seems like you didn't get it,

Hosseini has to drop out of the

competition as soon as possible!

Don't let it get too...

What a moron!

Leila. We need to talk.

Come.

They called from the Association.

They've ordered us to withdraw

from the rest of the competition.

What does that mean?

That I have to withdraw?

They don't want you to

face Shani in the final.

I did my best to change their mind

but we can't ignore their demand.

They want you to withdraw early,

even if it means losing gold in the final.

Who exactly called you?

Does it make any difference?

Taheri and a few other people.

What are the odds of me and Shani

facing each other in the final?

She might not even get to the final.

I know it's gonna happen, Leila.

Don't think it's easy for me.

I'm just as disappointed as you are.

I'm not disappointed at all.

Because I'm not gonna withdraw

for no reason.

I'm not gonna pretend I'm injured or

intentionally lose a match. Never!

But we should run it by

the Association before every match.

You know we need to

ask for their permission.

I don't care about

the Iranian Association.

I only believe in the WJA!

It was not a suggestion.

You can't argue about this.

- They won't give in!

- I won't either!

We've had enough of this sh*t.

What do you think your

stubbornness will fix?

Watch me!

You can't disagree with this, Leila!

Leila!

Leila!

I'm talking to you, Leila!

Hello? Maryam?

I know you're listening.

Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

What did I do to deserve

a stupid daughter like you?

I've always said that

this job was not for you.

End this mess and come back.

Or else you'll have

to forget about me.

I've had enough of this mess...

How is my champion doing?

Leila! Leila!

Leila! Leila! Leila! Leila!

You can't believe

what's going on in here.

With every match you win,

the entire flat erupts!

I can't hear you well.

Go somewhere quiet.

I need to talk to you.

Something the matter?

Do it now!

- I'll be right back, guys.

- Sure.

You're making me worried.

Is everything all right?

Taheri has called Ghanbari.

They want me to

withdraw to avoid facing Shani.

What?

Direct order from the

Supreme Leader's Office.

Those f*cking b*stards!

Look, I won't let them

play with me anymore.

This time is different.

I don't want to fight for

those shitheads anymore.

You're right.

But if I win the next round,

they'll come after you and Amir!

Be careful, Nader.

They could be nearby right now.

There's a car across the street.

Damn it!

You know what to do, right?

We'll leave town for now.

I'll make sure no one follows us.

Don't worry.

Don't tell anyone for now.

Justina and Jamin will help me.

Tell mom and dad to go to a hotel,

or some safe place for now.

You just focus on the

next round, my love.

I'll keep an eye on

everything here, OK?

We'll find a way together.

It's going to be fine, isn't it?

Yes, of course.

We'll figure it out.

Don't worry.

I should have never

given you so much value.

You don't deserve to be

the national team's coach!

You don't have the guts

to even manage your team!

Mr. Taheri,

With all due respect, sir, but I've got

to tell you that she won't listen to me.

I'm doing my best, sir.

But I can't promise you anything.

- She's being so stubborn!

- Ghanbari!

Stop looking for excuses!

You'll answer to the President

and the Supreme Leader as well?

- Yes, sir.

- This is your final chance!

Leila.

The situation is really critical.

You can't just do whatever you want.

It's turning into a full crisis mode.

I won't let anyone take

away my chance to win gold.

Which side are you on?

Don't start again.

They won't let this go.

My phone won't stop ringing!

It's not about Taheri or

the Association anymore.

It's the President's office now!

I'm going to fight this to the end.

Are you with me or what?

Why don't you get it?

We're representing Iran here.

We should obey the rules.

Do you think I'm an idiot?

- I know what you're doing!

- What do you mean?

You promised them this while

we were still in Iran, didn't you?

Don't be delusional.

They called me just now.

You promised me,

we wouldn't repeat Baku here.

We're here for the gold medal today.

I wish we could make

the final decision too.

But we're representing Iran.

We don't get to make these decisions.

You just lied to my face!

What lie? Stop bullshitting!

Damnit!

I can't just think about you.

We've got families and they

are threatening our families now!

You're putting everyone in danger!

I have an old mother!

I know! And I have a child!

But the power is in our hands now.

We've got the media.

The WJA is behind us.

The entire world will back us up.

The only reason they're threatening

us now is because they're scared!

Think about your future opportunities!

You've got several grand slams

and the Tokyo Games ahead.

You're wasting years of hard work.

You're burning all

the bridges behind you!

You're endangering your family!

For what?

A stupid Israeli girl!

Remember what happened that year?

The World Championships in Seoul?

Why did you withdraw?

They put a cast on your healthy leg

to prevent you from facing Arad.

You were this close to

a world championship.

Everyone thought you were injured

but you were only acting

injured to not get in trouble.

My bedroom walls were

filled with your photos when I was a kid!

I cried for weeks when

you got injured.

I wish I didn't!

I was really injured!

Why would I never fight again after that?

This is what they've

told you to feed us, right?

You accepted that to become

the National Team's head coach!

Such disrespect.

How dare you speak to me like that!

I'm coming down.

Stupid girl!

I just realized that you are nothing!

How long are you going to wait

for them to throw you a bone?

Shut up!

Don't touch me!

You're not my responsibility anymore!

- Piece of sh*t!

- Get lost!

Next, on Tatami 1!

In the white -

from the Islamic Republic of Iran

Hosseini.

And in the blue - from Brazil

current World Champion

Fernandes.

World Champion, Fernandes

Any chance of winning

the World Championships for Iran...

- Hi Boris.

- Hi.

And the current world

champion Fernandes...

Wow, she's looking good as well.

Fernandes is really

piling on the pressure.

And, well, she's got to

get out of there hasn't she?

- Shani, good fight out there.

- Thank you.

- Everything's OK?

- Yes, all good.

And she's got to make sure

that she puts her attacks in first.

And that's the key.

I think that if any chance...

Maryam?

For Hosseini, she's got to make sure

that she goes in first.

- Hi.

- Good to see you.

Leila's looking great out there tonight.

- Yeah.

- Very strong.

Yes.

Is there a problem?

No. Why?

Well, I just noticed that you're

not in the chair with your judoka.

I wonder if everything's OK.

It's a... professional decision.

- Sorry.

- Maryam?

Just to remind you that

if anyone's trying to prevent you

from participating in this tournament

they're in direct breach

of the WJA agreement.

You know that.

Thank you for reminding me.

You know where to find me.

She's absolutely

fighting for her life here.

She's got to make sure that

she is bursting for the attacks...

But the big thing is about the grips.

And, wow, she has to break through

the defense of the world champion.

I noticed that Ghanbari, her coach,

is not out there with her.

And well, I don't know why.

Yeah, well,

it's a tense situation for her.

She really needs to

compose herself here.

Take a breath and

she needs to go again.

Yeah, her head seems

somewhere else, doesn't it?

It's just not the same Hosseini

that we've seen in the earlier rounds.

It's playing a big part here

but this is where she's got to dig in.

Leila! Leila! Leila!

And she's the

first in for the attack.

Now then - she's got

the grip that she wants!

And we've seen a wide variety...

All the tension is

absolutely unbelievable.

Is she gonna change the direction?

She's already thrown big to the

front. She's gone to the ground as well.

She's got it!

She's going for the Juji-gatame.

She needs to take the head

in the opposite direction.

Fighting for her life, isn't she?

She's fighting for her life.

And you can...

Yeah, the Brazilian, for me

she's... really strong.

But she's unpredictable as well.

It's all about pace!

That's her only chance now

to go through to the next round.

Leila! Leila! Leila! Leila!

The referee just stands them up!

Her husband isn't home.

Unbelievable tension

on the fighters face!

Yeah, both of them

they're really exhausted here.

That you lose all that...

- Hosseini?

- Yes?

Get back inside!

Oh! Look at that.

What a Tomoe Nage!

And she absolutely pulled it

out of the bag there.

That was unbelievable.

They look down and out.

Both of them were so so tired...

and she managed to do that one!

Absolutely surprised her opponent there.

And the world champion is

not gonna retain her world title!

That was brilliant from Hosseini.

And that came from nowhere.

Yeah. It came from nowhere, Neil.

But really to knock out the world

champion like that, it was just amazing.

It really could be Iran's night.

Well, it was a surprise attack.

Mrs. Hosseini!

Mrs. Hosseini!

You were wonderful!

Can I take a photo with you?

I'm a huge fan of yours!

Sure.

Well done!

Hi.

Leila!

- Dad?!

- The security agents are here.

Just listen to whatever they say

so neither of us gets in trouble.

What have they done to you? Dad!

Do you understand, sweetheart?

- Even so far...

- You'll pay a price if you don't withdraw.

It's up to you now.

Mrs. Hosseini! Leila Hosseini!

You know what to do now, don't you?

Huh?

Do you?

Don't you?

Yeah, if you could bring me those files

at some point today, that would be great.

Yeah, no, no, no. Just the ones

that we spoke about earlier on today

- One second. Come in.

- Hi.

Iranian National TV just

announced that Hosseini...

I'll call you back.

Leila Hosseini is withdrawing

from the competition.

They cut our live broadcast there.

It's not the first time.

Well, I just saw an altercation

between Leila and her coach.

And then her coach dropped out.

They sent someone from the

Embassy to threaten her. I saw it.

I really think this is becoming

a political situation.

Well, as long as Leila is playing by our

rules, I can't confront them about it.

- Well Madam President -

- They will face an Olympic ban...

if they try to f*ck this

up again and they know it.

They could care less

about an Olympic ban.

I'm asking - how do we protect Leila?

What's our strategy here?

Everything goes as planned.

Keep your eyes and ears open.

If things go wrong, update me.

I just did.

Stacy, I have 217 athletes

from 67 countries to deal with.

Focus on getting this show right.

Stop worrying about Hosseini.

I'm telling you she's

getting threats to withdraw.

I heard.

And I'm telling you, we can't officially

offer any help until she asks for it.

That's the protocol.

f*ck protocol.

Stacy!

sh*t!

They've been detained.

They want them

to make me turn myself in.

Damn it!

Maryam has given in too.

And the entire team is behind her.

They've got no honour.

What are you gonna do now?

I don't know.

I don't want to put

other people's lives at risk!

You never allow

anyone to bully you!

I know my wife!

But they are telling

the story their way!

They'll blame everything on me.

Leila! Just take a deep breath

and get back on the tatami!

Release all your anger on the mat!

You're a strong woman!

You can do this!

I know it!

You'll crush them all!

Nader.

You know we'll never

be able to go back to Iran.

Maybe, Leila, maybe.

But Amir and I will

always go wherever you go.

Thanks.

- I love you.

- I love you too.

I hate all the useless

chitchat and fake smiles.

Take it easy.

We go to these events and

give them a bit of small talk.

They let us go to the competitions.

We'll win a few medals and come back.

It's in our own best interest.

You mean the flat, the car

and the $50,000 prize

they've promised you?

That's the way it is.

Now can we talk

about more positive stuff?

Who's calling so late?

Damn it!

Hello?

Mrs. Hosseini, I wanted to confirm

tomorrow's schedule with you.

The driver will pick you up

at 6 a.m. Please be ready.

Sure, thank you.

- Bye.

- Excuse me, but I have to ask.

Do you have your husband's

consent for the trip abroad?

I don't want you, God forbid, to have

any problems leaving the country.

- I'm sorry.

- I'm her husband.

If you want to know whether she's barred

from leaving the country, no she's not!

I guarantee that as the national champion

and my wife...

she's got the right to travel.

But we need to make sure she has your

signed consent form with her passport.

Hey!

I'm sorry. Thanks, ma'am. Bye.

What do you think you're doing?

Why are you stirring up sh*t?

Leila?

I'm Vlad.

My name is Vlad.

WJA medic.

Can I take a look at your

forehead for a second, please?

I'm not allowed.

I need to look at it.

Unless you want to bleed all over

the place and get disqualified.

It's up to you.

So, how did you do this?

Doesn't matter.

Well...

I know how it feels.

One second.

The pain doesn't bother me.

I meant the t*rture

they're putting you through.

I've been there.

I defected to Canada

from Romania in 1978.

So then, you know my situation.

Yes.

We know about your situation.

The WJA is more

than willing to help you.

I usually don't approach

other athletes like this.

But this is an unofficial message...

I was asked to give to you.

So go and show them.

Good luck, Leila.

Thank you.

My sweet boy!

Are you up, my baby?

Amir?

I'm up!

- I'll be home soon, all right?

- All right.

All right.

Be a good boy and

do what daddy tells you.

- Fine.

- OK?

- OK.

- Look at me!

Look at me.

I'm over here. Right here.

Listen to what daddy says, all right?

- All right.

- All right.

- What did daddy say?

- We're gonna see you on TV.

Yes, sweetheart.

You'll all go to Justina's.

And you'll watch my matches.

You'll all watch my

matches together, all right?

- All right.

- Ahh, my sweet little boy.

- I love you so much.

- Me too.

- Do you love me?

- Yeah.

Then give me a kiss!

Give me a kiss!

I will miss you.

Ms. Ghanbari!

One second.

Where is she?

How did you get in here?

You can't be here.

As you can see...

We can go wherever we want.

I know you need help, and I'm

here to help you solve this issue.

Did you know that my mother

is a fan of yours?

She's been following

you for years now.

You're our national hero.

This girl is just stubborn.

She doesn't know what she's doing.

Don't let her get you in trouble.

You're very experienced.

I'm doing everything I can but

as you can see, she doesn't listen.

That's not our problem.

It's yours.

Think about yourself.

Your family.

Your position should be

much higher than this.

Leila is dead. She's finished.

But I personally guarantee that

you will not get in

any trouble whatsoever.

I trust that you know what to do.

Maryam Ghanbari.

- The Iranian team head coach.

- How can I help?

I need to talk to Stacy Travis.

It's urgent.

One second.

Stacy?

Stacy.

What's going on?

Leila Hosseini has to quit the

competition due to an injury.

I wanted to inform you that I'm

declaring a Fusho-gachi unfortunately.

What kind of injury?

Concussion.

She banged her head in her last fight.

She's bleeding badly.

Interesting, I watched all of

Leila's fights, we all did here.

And I saw no head injury... and we

have detailed footage to back that up.

I'm telling you she's not able to fight.

- It's not a debate. It's an announcement!

- What's really going on here, Maryam?

- I've already told you.

- I can help you.

We can help you more than you think.

I don't need your help.

I need you to respect this

decision and call it right now.

- Is Leila a part of this?

- It's a team decision.

Somebody needs to notify her because

she just stepped out into the tatami.

Leila!

Come out!

Leila!

You need to step out at once! Leila!

Stop this fight.

Leila!

Stop this fight!

Leila!

I know you are in

an impossible situation.

- The WJA wants to help you!

- I'm just asking you to stop this fight.

Leila Hosseini's fight

continues as scheduled.

I need security out

onto the arena immediately.

Schmidt against Hosseini.

And Hosseini this time in white

And...

Well, She's also got

a cut on her forehead.

I don't know

where that came from.

I think it might

have been in training.

Now then, she's gonna have to

get out of there as well.

And you can see clearly here

that her head is not there.

- Yes, I am here. I wanted to...

- The hell with whatever you wanted!

Listen to me! I wanted to...

- You just dug your own grave!

- I got there late!

She's started the match!

There's nothing I can do now!

Just pray to God now

for you and your family!

Mr. Taheri, I did everything I could.

I told the authorities here.

But there's nothing I can do

now that the match is underway.

You've been f*cking useless all along.

- Tell her to check her messages!

- Yes, I will.

Or else I don't give a sh*t about

what happens to either of you.

Well, I think we're all thinking

that now she's got a great chance.

And Schmidt of Germany, of course

she will have been really happy

with her form at the moment.

And she's here.

She sees her chance of getting

through to the final as well.

Now that big Seoi-nage

there from Hosseini.

She wasn't far off there

with that shoulder throw.

Now they are over the back.

Oh! She just takes it down.

She gets a Waza-ari as well.

Well, that was a switch wasn't it?

From the Seoi-nage.

Yeah, Schmidt there, from Germany.

She likes that high hand.

And she, so, goes underneath...

Now she's looking for the Shime-Waza.

Wow, she's got the Shime-Waza

underneath the neck there.

And she is trouble here, Hosseini.

She is in all sorts of trouble.

And if she taps out...

Otherwise, it's all over.

Is the referee gonna say 'MATE'?

Yes she does.

The referee shouts 'MATE'.

And she has another

chance here, Hosseini.

Well, Hosseini did well

to hold that off, but

you know, that can have

an effect on you as well.

Wow, now she's gonna

keep her composure.

Her arm going over the back...

and she really is having

to defend for her life here.

Now then, Makikomi.

She catches the leg

and... Makikomi.

She goes over onto

her back for the Ippon.

I just can not believe...

that she recovered

from that Shime-Waza.

And she got the score, Neil.

Unbelievable.

Wonderful technique, every single match.

That was amazing.

She can't believe it.

Leila.

Hi.

Stacy Travis, good to see you.

You know President Abriel, right?

Congratulations on the win.

Outstanding performance.

Yeah, it was extraordinary. Really.

Do you mind if we talk alone?

It'll only take a minute.

And you'll be back for your next round.

Just in our office upstairs.

You can have a seat.

Before we start

I'm sorry for what you're going through.

We want you to be aware that

you have the full support of WJA.

Thank you.

We've made some quick

arrangements to help you.

Whatever you decide to do.

We're here.

Leila, we need to verify a few things.

'Yes' or 'no' is all we need.

Is it okay if I record our conversation?

Yes.

Thank you.

Is anyone pressuring you

to fake an injury tonight?

Yes.

Have there been threats

made against you?

Yes.

Did you in fact hurt your head

in one of the fights this evening?

No... No.

Your coach, Maryam Ghanbari...

declared your withdrawal from competition.

Were you a part of this decision?

No.

So who's pressuring Maryam?

The... The Iranian Judo Association.

And who's pressuring them?

The Supreme Leader of Iran.

Have you been in contact with your

family since this whole thing started?

Yes.

Stacy has updated me about

everything that's going on.

We all understand

that you're making

the most important and hardest

decision of your life.

Do you wish to continue

competing tonight?

I do. I do.

You might face an Israeli

judoka at some point.

That is not a problem for me.

It has never been a problem.

Stacy and her team

will act accordingly

to secure the legal procedure

for your potential stay...

and make sure that you're escorted

everywhere by a local security.

We'll... figure out the rest.

I am worried about my parents.

They have arrested

them in Tehran...

to punish me.

So...

What can we do?

What can we do

to help you, really?

I don't know.

Coming up for the quarter finals

In the white -

from the Islamic Republic of Iran

Hosseini.

Thank you, Leila.

Step aside please.

- I am her coach.

- No.

- What no? I'm her coach.

- Please.

OK, I just want to talk to her.

Come out.

We need to talk.

I need to talk to you, Leila.

Come out.

It's important.

If we pack our bags and leave now

nothing will happen to you.

I promise they'll give you

a heroic welcome too.

Leila.

Don't be so stubborn.

Leila!

Don't make things any worse.

You're not listening, are you?

Fine!

They've asked me to tell

you to check your phone.

So check your phone.

Check your phone!

My name is Ammar Hosseini.

We have one request from

our daughter Leila.

- Sweetie...

- Look at the camera!

Do not continue!

Just listen to whatever

they say, sweetheart.

So we can all return home.

God damn you!

Where have they taken them?

- Where have they taken them?

- What are you doing?

What have they done to them?

Why do you think I'm responsible?

Where have they taken them?

What's the matter with you, Leila?

Instead of being so selfish

you could've thought about this!

- What's wrong with you?

- Get lost!

- Let her go!

- I'll k*ll you, you snitching rat!

What the hell is wrong with you?!

What are you doing?

Don't you get it? They're

threatening my family too!

You've got us all in trouble,

you selfish, stupid girl!

It's all right. Let's go!

Get her some water.

Are you all right?

We're going towards the border.

As you can see, it's so windy!

The weather is terrible

but that's the way it is.

The hardest part is over now

and soon we will meet again.

There's barely any reception here.

I'm trying to send you this video for now.

Whatever happens,

you will always be my hero.

I'm so worried, Nader.

I still don't know where

they've taken my parents.

They're willing to do anything

to them now to make me withdraw.

How did we get into such a mess?

Call me!

I want to make sure you're okay.

And away they go.

The winner will go

through to the semi-finals.

And that crowd is

going absolutely mad...

They're just so into this.

It's absolutely amazing.

Yeah, remember Neil, it's still

a straight knock out here. So...

whoever wins this contest,

will go through to the semi-final.

The loser will leave with nothing.

She's gotta stay focused.

That's the most important thing.

Leila Hosseini.

Head down.

But look at the Georgian here.

Absolutely...

Oh, she nearly made a mistake there.

And Hosseini on her back.

And fighting to try to get...

I think it was across the face there.

The referee's very quick to stand them up.

Quick readjustment of the Judogi.

Now, arm around the back.

It's gotta get at least

90 degree landing for a score.

But looks to be struggling

just a little bit. Doesn't she?

Yeah, I thought the

same, you know Neil.

Yeah, it just seems so

unfair that Leila Hosseini

she's really getting

out here on the ground.

But looks to be struggling

just that little bit. Doesn't she?

When we saw her in the

earlier rounds, she was fluent.

She was really working hard.

Here, she just seems out of sync.

She's certainly not fighting

like she was earlier in the day

where she got all involved.

And, oh! She just

flagged off that one!

That throw was so so fast.

And both fighters are

absolutely giving their all here!

It depends on who wants it most,

as to who will go through.

Look at the determination there,

Kapanadze, there stays right.

Let's grip up.

Left against right.

Right against left.

Whichever way you look at it.

And a drop Seoi-nage

there from Kapanadze.

And straight up in to

the attack on the ground.

- Now, we've seen her in trouble before.

- 'MATE'

And now it's her turn.

Straight in there.

Looking for the strangle.

Can she go for the

arm lock again?

'MATE'

And look at that.

She's really really struggling.

And she is just holding on.

She really is.

She's clearly not in a good place.

And she is really breathing heavy.

She's finding it very very difficult.

We've seen her absolutely

pick herself up from nowhere.

She's managed to produce

fantastic techniques.

Hosseini, now then, just

manages to climb up that Tomoe Nage.

And now it's her turn.

Straight in there,

looking for the strangle.

Can she get it?

And can she go for

the arm lock again.

'MATE

Leila! I'm here!

I'm with you, Leila!

Come on, Leila!

Don't give in!

Get back in there!

What's happened?

Just breathe! Breathe!

Look at me, Leila.

Just breathe.

Listen to me, Leila.

If you want to stop

it's OK.

You don't have to continue.

It's fine!

OK.

She can go back.

Well, she's prepared for

this moment all her life.

And she's never been

in a better position

to go forward to the semi-final

of the world championships.

Don't forget you're here

for the gold medal, Leila!

- Good attack there from Kapanadze.

- It's your fight now!

And now she's on top

You're better than her on the ground!

- Get up! Get up, girl!

- She's looking for the strangle here.

- You got her, Leila!

- Kapanadze, can't she get it on

- we've seen her in this position

- Yes! Resist!

Don't give up!

You're wearing her out!

There you go!

Show me what you've got!

The entire world is watching

you, Leila! Get on your feet!

Can she hold it off?

If she submits, two taps

and it will all be over.

Yeah, she's put in so much into this,

it's incredible to see this contest.

You've got nothing more

to lose! Get up now!

Leila! Amir is watching you! Get up!

Kapanadze there,

the crowd absolutely behind her.

'MATE

Oh, just manages to pull

her neck free there.

Now there's blood on the mat.

And that might just be the savior.

Yeah, definitely Neil. You know,

She's already had one break with the doctor.

But she's allowed to have two

breaks for different injuries.

It won't hold long but it will

buy you a few more seconds.

OK.

She's ready to go back.

Absolutely, what a fight this is.

Now the Georgian comes

onto the attack here.

Kapanadze has her

arm over the back

Now that you're here

you should fight to the very end!

Control the match!

Get out of her guard!

Yes, that's it!

But she's got to get

out of there, Hosseini

You got her! It's all yours now!

The gold medal is yours, Leila!

And look at that. Ghanbari is absolutely

shouting at her to get out of there.

Get out of danger

- But she's being dominated with the grips

- Go on! Go for it! Yes! Yes!

You got her! She's yours now!

Ippon! Soremade!

Tomoe Nage right way over-the-top.

Disappointment for Hosseini.

And the Iranian hope of a world title.

Leila! Please!

Here, here!

You all right?

We're gonna find you a room...

get you some ice.

Once she settles down with

the grip that she was... Oh!

And that's that! It's what it's all

about there and Lavi's lost it.

Lavi is out.

Yes. Well, it's Shani Lavi

of Israel who will be going home.

And it's Caracal of Hungary

who goes through to the final.

No, no, Ms. Ghanbari. We should

go that way to the parking lot.

Everyone's waiting for us on the bus.

Excuse me.

Do you realize what

the f*ck you've done?

You don't, do you?

- Give it to me!

- Let's get in the car.

- Just calm down.

- Think about your mother.

Don't you want to see her again?

- You can trust me.

- Come on.

He hasn't even taken your passport.

I told you to stop her,

you have no guts.

- Now!

- Open the door!

Open the door!

She'll get in the car herself.

- Don't make things worse!

- Let's go, hon.

Please!

I have your back. Come.

- Open the door.

- She's coming.

- What the hell are you doing?

- Go get her!

Don't let her leave! Go!

Stop!

Don't make things any worse!

Stop!

Stop!

- Wait! Wait!

- Please help me. Help me, please!

Let me go!

Help me!

Open the door.

Let her in.

Help me. I need your help!

Sit down.

They just...

What happened?

They wanted to kidnap me.

They took my passport.

- Who wanted to kidnap you?

- Iranian diplomats.

Here, you have everything.

Voicemails, messages...

All threats from Minister...

from Association.

I don't want to go back!

Yes?

- Hi.

- Hi.

Can I sit?

Sure.

I'm sorry.

I know how terrible it feels to lose.

But you were great

against all of your opponents.

I was so impressed.

I don't know.

With so much to worry about,

and a pre-occupied mind...

who else could've

managed to get this far.

Is that what you came to tell me?

No.

I'm here to tell you that

I'm not going back to Iran.

I'm risking it all.

So...?

You were right.

I wasn't injured in Seoul.

It was all made up.

I lied about it all these years.

To myself...

To you.

To my family.

To everyone.

I bottled it all up.

My name is Maryam Ghanbari.

My name is Leila Hosseini.

I'm here to win the gold for my family

for my team...

and for my country.

I wore what they ordered me to.

I repeated everything they told me to.

I am one of the millions of people...

under the control of the

Islamic regime of Iran.

I was not important to them.

None of us matter to them.

We are all tools.

I live in a country whose laws

do not allow me to coach

and compete freely.

I have to make the most

important decision of my life today.

Obey and return to my country, or...

risk everything

and fight for freedom and dignity.

I'd rather live in exile than to live

with hypocrisy,

lies and Injustice.

I choose to be free now.

But no matter what

happens after today...

wherever I am

I will always carry Iran with me.

Always.

Thank you.

Jean-Claire Abriel,

President of the World Judo Association

said tonight that

they're hoping to suspend

The Islamic Republic

of Iran permanently...

over repeated and severe

breaches of human rights violations.

Leila Hosseini and

Maryam Ghanbari have betrayed

the Iranian nation, Iranian

athletes, and the Islamic Republic.

Not only have they

disrespected our Islamic values...

but they have also

shamed our nation.

We just crossed the border, Leila.

It was so difficult, but we managed.

Amir was a true hero!

He's asleep right next to me.

He misses mummy so much

but we'll soon be together again.

Everything has been arranged,

so try not to worry.

We love you more than the world.

Kisses.

On Tatami 1...

In the white -

representing the WJA refugee team

Hosseini.

And in the blue -

from the Islamic Republic of Iran

Rashid.