Iranian Women Chess Players Compete Without Hijab in International Tournament

Two Iranian women chess players have made headlines by competing in an international tournament without wearing a hijab, in defiance of Iran’s strict Islamic dress code. Sara Khadem and Atousa Pourkashiyan participated in the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with their hair showing and fully focused on the game.

The move by Khadem and Pourkashiyan follows a trend of Iranian sportswomen abandoning the headscarf, which has become a symbol of protest against the Iranian government. The unrest surrounding the hijab intensified after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in custody in September after being arrested for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly.

Women in Iran have been at the forefront of protests against the mandatory hijab, with some removing or burning their headscarves in public demonstrations. Other athletes, such as climber Elnaz Rekabi and archer Zahra Nemati, have also made unintentional statements by competing without a hijab or allowing it to fall during ceremonies.

The actions of these women have sparked conversations about the oppressive conditions in Iran and the dissatisfaction of the people with the government. Iranian footballer Ehsan Hajsafi recently expressed support for anti-government protesters, stating that the team stands with the people and sympathizes with their struggles.

In a significant development, Iran’s attorney general announced that the morality police, responsible for enforcing the hijab rule, have been “closed.” This move signals a potential shift in the government’s stance on the issue and reflects the growing resistance to oppressive dress codes in the country.