Friday, July 27, 2012

Saudi Woman Can't Wear Headscarf in Olympics; Decision Is Made Due to Safety Concerns of Judo

The Europe News website reports today (July 27, 2012) that a competitor from Saudi Arabia -- who is one of that country's first female athletes ever selected for the Olympics -- will not be allowed to wear a headscarf during competition, as a result of a ruling by the International Judo Federation.

President Marius Vizer ruled that "according to the principles and spirit of judo," Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani could not fight with a headscarf.

Judo officials said they were very proud their sport was one of the first to welcome a Saudi female competitor, but announced on the eve of the London Games that she would not be allowed to fight with a headscarf, even though the federation has not banned women from covering their hair before.

Federation spokesman Nicolas Messner said the decision was made due to safety concerns.

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