(23)Biggest Games open in Athens amid tight security

(23)Biggest Games open in Athens amid tight security

ATHENS, Greece - Iraqi judo wrestler Hadir Lazame carries his country's flag during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 13.

Iraqi judoka thanks Koizumi for help prior to Athens Olympics

Iraqi judoka thanks Koizumi for help prior to Athens Olympics

TOKYO, Japan - Iraqi judoka Hadir Lazame (L) puts on one of the green jackets presented to him and other members of the Iraqi delegation to the Athens Olympics by the Japanese government and the Japanese Olympic Committee, during his call on Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at his office in Tokyo on July 28. Lazame thanked for giving him the opportunity to train in Japan before taking part in the Olympics. ''If I win a medal in the upcoming Olympic Games, I will dedicate it to Japan,'' the 29-year-old Lazame was quoted as telling Koizumi.

Iraqi judoka wants to elevate Iraq's presence in Athens Olympics

Iraqi judoka wants to elevate Iraq's presence in Athens Olympics

TOKYO, Japan - Iraqi judoka Hadir Lazame, who is training in Japan before taking part in the Athens Olympics next month, speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on July 26. Lazame is scheduled to stay for two weeks through Aug. 7 and practice with Japanese judoka at facilities such as the Kodokan in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward.

(23)Biggest Games open in Athens amid tight security

(23)Biggest Games open in Athens amid tight security

ATHENS, Greece - Iraqi judo wrestler Hadir Lazame carries his country's flag during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 13. (Kyodo)

Iraqi judoka thanks Koizumi for help prior to Athens Olympics

Iraqi judoka thanks Koizumi for help prior to Athens Olympics

TOKYO, Japan - Iraqi judoka Hadir Lazame (L) puts on one of the green jackets presented to him and other members of the Iraqi delegation to the Athens Olympics by the Japanese government and the Japanese Olympic Committee, during his call on Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at his office in Tokyo on July 28. Lazame thanked for giving him the opportunity to train in Japan before taking part in the Olympics. ''If I win a medal in the upcoming Olympic Games, I will dedicate it to Japan,'' the 29-year-old Lazame was quoted as telling Koizumi. (Kyodo)

Iraqi judoka wants to elevate Iraq's presence in Athens Olympics

Iraqi judoka wants to elevate Iraq's presence in Athens Olympics

TOKYO, Japan - Iraqi judoka Hadir Lazame, who is training in Japan before taking part in the Athens Olympics next month, speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on July 26. Lazame is scheduled to stay for two weeks through Aug. 7 and practice with Japanese judoka at facilities such as the Kodokan in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward. (Kyodo)