Sports

Why Top Indian Shooter Heena Sidhu Pulled Out Of An Event In Iran

Darpan News Desk IANS, 29 Oct, 2016 04:07 PM

Shooter Heena Sidhu Pulls Out of Iran Event Due to Compulsory Hijab Rule

Top Indian shooter Heena Sidhu has withdrawn from the Asian Airgun Shooting Championship in Tehran due to a rule that forces female competitors to wear 'hijab'.

There have been reports abt me skipping the Asian air weapon competition in Iran due to their practice of making women wear hijab. (1)
— Heena sidhu (@HeenaSidhu10) October 29, 2016

Heena, who is the defending champion, took to social micro-blogging site Twitter to list out the reasons behind her decision.

Im not a revolutionary. But I feel dat making it mandatory for even a sportsperson to wear hijab is not in the spirit of a Sport. (2)
— Heena sidhu (@HeenaSidhu10) October 29, 2016

The competition's website clearly states that female participants will have to comply by the rules of the Islamic Republic of Iran when in comes to a dress code.

Im proud 2 b sportsperson coz ppl from diff cultures, backgrouds, sexes, ideologies, religion can cum 2gether n compete without biases (3)
— Heena sidhu (@HeenaSidhu10) October 29, 2016

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Heena has pulled out from a shooting competition in Iran.

Sport is an exhibition of sheer Human Effort nPerformance. Our ability to dig deep for Strength, Will Power and Determination. (4)
— Heena sidhu (@HeenaSidhu10) October 29, 2016

This is d reason I compete n I cannot compete for anything lesser than this. But I wud also not have my personal opinion politicised (5)
— Heena sidhu (@HeenaSidhu10) October 29, 2016

I thank the NRAI for respecting my views n I wud also like 2wish luck 2 r team competing in Iran. Lets concentrate on competition dan hijab
— Heena sidhu (@HeenaSidhu10) October 29, 2016

Heena Sidhu competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics and won a gold medal in the 10m air pistol at the 2013 World Championship.

Prev Next

MORE Sports ARTICLES

Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali No More

Legendary former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, who had been hospitalised following respiratory problems, has passed away

Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali No More

Muhammad Ali In 'Grave Condition', On Life Support In Phoenix Hospital

Muhammad Ali is hospitalized in the Phoenix area with what two people familiar with his condition say may be more serious problems than his previous hospital stays.

Muhammad Ali In 'Grave Condition', On Life Support In Phoenix Hospital

Former CFL MOP Solomon Elimimian Back Healthy For B.C. Lions After Devastating Injury

Back on the field at training camp after suffering a career-threatening injury last season, the standout linebacker for the B.C. Lions was given the floor to share a few words after one of the team's practices.

Former CFL MOP Solomon Elimimian Back Healthy For B.C. Lions After Devastating Injury

Face Of The Franchise: Jonathon Jennings Ready To Lead B.C. Lions In 2016

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Jonathon Jennings waits patiently in one of the end zones as the media begins to assemble following a morning practice at B.C. Lions training camp.