The French athletes have been forbidden from wearing a hijab to compete at the Paris Olympics. This was extended to France's Olympic athletes on grounds they were on a 'public service mission', the government said. The Egyptian fencer Yara El-Sharkawy who has been competing in a hijab said: 'The whole world now speaks about freedom of choice and they ask everyone to express themselves. The Algerian fencer Saoussen Boudiaf, who used to compete for France, added: 'Before being hijab-wearing women we are human beings with hearts and feelings. And I don't think it's fair that we have to feel excluded for what I think are pointless reasons'.

Source: The Guardian August 07, 2024 13:54 UTC