A Muslim athlete has been banned from wearing her headscarf as she takes part in the judo competition, raising fears of a diplomatic row.
Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani, from Saudi Arabia, will not be allowed to wear her hijab because of safety concerns, according to the International Judo Federation.
There are concerns that the 18-year-old will be withdrawn from the Games as Saudi officials have said women will be able to compete only if they adhere to strict rules over their clothing.
Shahrkhani is one of only two female competitors from Saudi Arabia. The other is 800m runner Sarah Attar.
Women from the country have not previously been allowed to take part at major events.
Announcing the ban, judo federation president Marius Vizer said: “The athlete from Saudi Arabia will fight in the spirit of judo and according to the principles of judo without a hijab.”
Federation spokesman Nicolas Messner said: “In judo we use strangleholds and chokeholds so the hijab could be dangerous.”
Asian judo federations have previously allowed Muslim women to wear headscarves at major competitions.
Headscarves are now allowed in taekwondo after the sport’s international federation changed its rules to accommodate female Muslim athletes.
Shahrkhani, coached by her father, an international referee, has reportedly been involved in judo for only two years and is not a black belt.
She was given a special invitation by the International Olympic Committee to compete in the over-78kg category.
