Saudi Arabia likely to withdraw Olympics over headscarf ban

KARACHI: Saudi Arabia threatened to withdraw from Olympics after the International judo Federation said that Saudi female competitor would have to fight without headscarf.

The International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge spent months to ensure participation of Saudi women in London Olympics.

Saudi Arabia had been the only country which appeared not to be sending any female participants in Olympic Games. However, it was said that women could participate only if they were allowed to wear proper Muslim clothing.

The recent decision by the International judo Federation could doubt Saudi Arabia’s participation.

International Olympic Committee has called an urgent meeting with Saudi Arabia national Olympic Committee officials, the International judo Federation and London Olympics organizers to try and avert Saudi withdrawal.

Talking to media an IOC spokesperson said, “Yes we have heard that the Saudis are not happy and we will have an urgent meeting, certainly in the next two days.”