An Iranian female grandmaster who participated in an international chess tournament without the compulsory hijab, did not represent the Islamic republic, an Iranian federation official said on Wednesday.
Sara Khademalsharieh, 25, appeared without a headscarf at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Rapid Chess Championships this week in Almaty, Kazakhstan, according to media reports.
The move is seen as a show of support for protests that have been taking place across Iran since the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, 22, following her arrest in Tehran for an alleged violation of the country’s strict dress code for women.
“This chess player participated in a personal capacity and at her own expense” in the tournament, said Hassan Tamini, director of the Iranian Chess Federation, quoted by the Fars news agency. “Khademalsharieh did not enter these competitions through the federation. She went independently,” he insisted.
Iranian women are expected to adhere to the dress code of the Islamic republic, mainly by covering their heads, when representing their country at international events. “We didn’t expect this chess player to do this because she had competed in previous tournaments within the standards,” Mr Tamini said.
Woman Grandmaster’s profile picture on the FIDE website shows her wearing a dark blue scarf that doesn’t cover all of her hair. Some athletes have recently appeared in competitions without covering their heads.
In October, climber Elnaz Rekabi wore only a headband during a competitive event at the Asian Climbing Championships in Seoul. She returned to her country as a heroine and a dozen people cheered her on her arrival at Tehran International Airport. The athlete had apologized for the incident and insisted that her scarf had accidentally slipped off.
Sport has become an extremely sensitive arena during the protests. Several prominent female athletes have expressed support for the protest, as have famous male footballers.
An Iranian female grandmaster who took part in an international chess tournament without the compulsory hijab did not represent the Islamic republic, an Iranian federation official said on Wednesday. Sara Khademalsharieh, 25, appeared without a headscarf during the championships of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) fast game chess world…
