French boxer on hijab ban

Australian boxer Tina Rahimi has publicly opposed France's ban on hijabs for athletes in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, expressing her disappointment that French athletes cannot wear the headscarf while competing. Rahimi, who wears a hijab herself, emphasized that women should have the freedom to choose their attire without being forced to choose between their beliefs and their sport. The ban, enacted under the principle of secularism, does not apply to non-French athletes, leading to criticism from both domestic and international rights organizations. French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla, barred from participating in the opening ceremony due to her hijab, was eventually allowed to wear a cap instead. Rights groups argue that the ban discriminates against Muslim athletes, undermining the Olympic spirit of inclusivity. Rahimi hopes for a change that would allow all athletes, regardless of their religious attire, to participate freely in the Games.