Judo Federation permits Saudi Judoka to wear Islamic headscarf

KARACHI: It is confirmed by Judo federation that Saudi judoka will compete with a headscarf.

According to media sources, Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee and International Judo Federation came together with a joint decision to allow Wojdan Shaherkani wearing a headscarf as she competes.

Sources said that Shaherkani's father was persistent with his statement that his daughter must wear the hijab.

Shaherkani is one of the first two women to compete in Olympics for the traditional kingdom. She had a trouble when the federation said last week that she couldn't compete wearing the hijab for safety reasons. Also there were reports that she would withdraw from the Olympics if she was forced to compete without it.

Judo Federation is concerned because headscarf can be used to harm her.

Shaherkani will compete on Friday as planned. No matter what she wears or what she does on the mat, Shaherkani is an opportunist for women everywhere.