Despite growing campaigns and appeals from the public, the French government remains committed to its decision to bar the nation’s athletes from competing in a hijab at the 2024 Olympic Games.
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera announced the updated policy in April, coming into effect from July 26 – the date of the Olympic opening ceremony.
The decision left human rights organisations baffled as it contradicts the nation’s pledge to deliver the first gender-equal Games.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has no uniform rule against wearing a headscarf during events but have refused to apply pressure on French authorities to reconsider the policy.
Australian boxer Tina Rahimi took to social media to call out the ban.
The 28-year-old will become the first Muslim boxer selected to represent Australia at the Olympics, joining a squad of 12 fighters who will compete in Paris.
“It’s so unfortunate… I’m really, really upset that that is something they’ve (the French government) put forward and that they’re not changing,” she said.
