Olympic Spirit And Islam

Re: That Saudi Arabian female athlete who wouldn’t be caught hijab-less in judo. The IOC initially said she couldn’t compete while wearing it. Something about headscarves in a sport that includes strangleholds and chokeholds. But not, it ultimately turns out, common sense over safety.

The IOC has brokered a compromise between the International Judo Federation and the Saudi Olympic Committee to allow Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shaherkani to wear a form of the headscarf in the competition. It was, in effect, the price to be paid for inducing the Saudis to bring female competitors to the Olympics for the first time. But, no, even if the Saudi judoka were to shock the judo world and win a medal, she won’t be allowed to drive when she gets back home.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *