Iranian Women Chess Players Compete Without Hijab Amid Protests

Two Iranian women chess players, Sara Khadem and Atousa Pourkashiyan, have made headlines by competing in an international tournament without wearing a hijab. The duo participated in the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where they were seen with their hair showing and deeply focused on their games.

The decision to forego the hijab, which is mandatory under Iran’s strict Islamic dress code, follows a trend of Iranian sportswomen pushing back against the government’s regulations. This act of defiance comes in the wake of protests against the Iranian government, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in custody after being arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly.

Women in Iran have been at the forefront of these protests, with some removing and even burning their headscarves in public demonstrations. Other athletes, such as climber Elnaz Rekabi and an Iranian archer, have also unintentionally or intentionally competed without a hijab, showing solidarity with the protesters.

The support for the protests has even extended to the sports field, with Iranian footballer Ehsan Hajsafi speaking out in solidarity with the anti-government demonstrators. The Iranian national team also made a statement by not singing the national anthem before their first match in the Qatar World Cup, showing their support for the ongoing unrest in their home country.

The recent closure of the morality police in Iran, as announced by the attorney general, signals a potential shift in the government’s stance on enforcing strict dress codes. The actions of these Iranian women chess players and other athletes highlight the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality in Iran.