France’s long history of banning religious and politically justified symbols to uphold its principle of “laïcité” — or secularism — has been brought into sharp focus during the Games.
French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla vented her disappointment at, initially, being barred from taking part in last week’s opening ceremony due to her headscarf. A last-minute agreement was reached for Sylla to cover her hair with a cap so she could join the event.
Last month, several human-rights organisations, including Amnesty International, wrote to the International Olympic Committee condemning the ban and urging it to intervene.
“The bans imposed by the French sports authorities are discriminatory and prevent Muslim athletes who decide to wear the hijab from exercising their human right to play sport without discrimination of any kind,” the letter said.
“The bans also fly in the face of the human-rights requirements for host countries and the IOC strategic framework on human rights, as well as being antithetical to the fundamental principles of Olympism.”
There is no national law or policy banning hijabs in sports. Individual sporting federations are in charge of their own regulations over whether to prohibit the religious item.
Cultural and religious sensitivities have often been spotlighted in beach volleyball. Female competitors have historically played in bikinis since it was introduced at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
The International Federation of Volleyball relaxed its clothing regulations ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, allowing women to compete in shorts and sleeved tops instead of sports bras and briefs.
“I love playing in a hijab, not with a bikini,” said Elghobashy, who called the rule change by volleyball’s governing body a sign of “respect”.
“For another girl, you might not like [it] — it’s OK for you. It’s freedom, I felt comfortable and good. The hijab is a part of me. It’s not [that way] for everyone.”
