Aussie boxer opposes hijab ban at Olympics

ANKARA – Australian boxer Tina Rahimi released a statement Sunday, opposing France's ban on the hijab, or Muslim headscarf, for French athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"Women have the right to choose how they want to dress. With or without (the) hijab. I choose to wear the hijab as part of my religion, and I am proud to do so," the 28-year-old wrote on her Instagram account.

"You shouldn't have to choose between your beliefs/religion or your sport. This is what the French athletes are forced to do. (The hijab ban only affects French athletes). No matter how you look or dress, what your ethnicity is or what religion you follow, we all come together to achieve that one dream: to compete and to win. No one should be excluded. Discrimination is not welcome in sport, specifically in the Olympics and what it stands for," Rahimi, Australia's first Muslim boxer to compete in the Olympic games, added in her post.

French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla, who is a competitor in the 4x400 meters relay, was banned from taking part in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday with her hijab on.

But following a backlash from some athletes and social media users, French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said in an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour that "the issue is solved," and Sylla was allowed to participate by wearing a cap to cover her hair. (PNA)