Israeli bowler Itai Rigbi says his appearance at the World Indoor Bowls Championships alongside playing partner Amnon Amar was “a victory for the sport” after their participation had looked in doubt.
Tournament organisers last month revoked a ban on Israeli players which had been imposed amid a campaign by pro-Palestinian groups.
Rigbi and Amar were beaten 2-0 in the pairs event by Scotland’s Mark Renwick and Kieran Ward on the opening day of the competition in Norfolk on Friday.
There were protests outside the venue before play.
“Even though we lost today, I think it is a victory for all of us,” Rigbi said.
“It is a victory for sport, the values of the sport, the spirit of the sport. So even though we lost, to much better players than us, I feel like the sport won.
“Of course the initial decision I wasn’t very happy with it, but then it was a 48-hour rollercoaster and the decision was corrected. I’m happy that the final decision is the correct decision and now I’m over it, it’s fine.”
The pair intend to stay on to support compatriot Daniel Alomin in the singles event.
“The World Bowls Tour (WBT) gave us a warm welcome. We had a nice conversation with other players. It’s a very sporting atmosphere and a very sporting event. What happened outside is beyond my understanding,” Rigbi added.
“That’s how it should be. We compete, because we are players. We are here to promote the values of the sport and that’s what we are doing.”
The WBT said the trio could compete after “significant additional security measures” had been put in place.
Pro-Palestinian groups have accused Israel of committing apartheid against Palestinians and called for its athletes to be banned under the 1977 Gleneagles Agreement – originally signed to exclude South Africa.
Israel strongly denies accusations of apartheid.
Since war broke out between Israel and Hamas 15 months ago, there have been instances of it impacting sport.
The Palestinian Football Association has put pressure on world governing body Fifa to ban Israel from international football, although Israeli athletes have competed on the biggest stages, including the Olympics and Wimbledon.
World Bowls Tour board member Jason Parkinson told BBC Sport that the period had been “challenging” but added: “At the end of the day it’s a sporting event and everybody here is here to play sport.
“People are always welcome to have their own opinion. And in my opinion what we’ve done is the correct thing.”
The championships run until 26 January.
