Saudi Arabia's Judo Olympian Allowed to Wear Head Scarf

Jakarta Globe, July 31, 2012

Female Saudi Judo athlete Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani
 arrives at Heathrow airport in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic
Games  on July 25. Shahrkhani will be able to compete wearing some
 form of headscarf, despite fears over personal safety. (AFP Photo/
MARWAN NAAMANI) 

  

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Saudi Arabia’s judo fighter will be able to compete wearing some form of headscarf, despite fears over personal safety.

The kingdom had sent its two first female Olympians to the London Games on condition they adhere to the Saudi Arabia’s conservative Islamic traditions, including wearing a headscarf.

Judo officials had said a headscarf could be dangerous because the sport includes chokeholds and aggressive grabbing techniques.

IOC officials say an agreement has been reached that clears the way for Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani to compete Friday in the women’s heavyweight division.

Associated Press 

Saudi Arabia's Wojdan Shahrkani reacts during the women's

 78-kg judo competition against Puerto Rico's Melissa Mojica at 

the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, in London.

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

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