LONDON (AP) — Judo officials say talks are ongoing to let a woman judo athlete compete for Saudi Arabia this week after they previously announced she would not be allowed to wear a headscarf in competition.
Saudi Arabia sent its two first female Olympians to the London Games on condition they adhere to the kingdom’s conservative Islamic traditions, including wearing a headscarf.
International Judo Federation spokesman Nicholas Messner said Tuesday that International Olympic Committee and Saudia Arabia have had “constructive talks.” Messner said they were “optimistic of a positive outcome.”
Saudi fighter Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani is to compete Friday in the women’s heavyweight division.
Judo officials say a headscarf could be dangerous because the sport includes many chokeholds and aggressive grabbing techniques.