Havana, May 8 (RHC) - The European Union decided to withdraw the title of world Kung Fu champion from Najm Al-Din Akioz for raising the flag of Palestine during the awards ceremony.

Six-time world kung fu champion, Din Akioz celebrated his title by paying tribute to the Palestinian people and dancing dabka, a popular dance from Palestine, a gesture for which the European Union decided to withdraw his crown.

Given the decision, the athlete expressed that he does not regret showing solidarity with the Palestinian people and that he would do it again.

"This sanction makes me more proud than the world championship I have won," said the athlete from Turkey.

Since the Israeli genocide broke out in the Gaza Strip, numerous athletes and activists have shown their solidarity with the Palestinian people through the display of flags and other symbols at public events.