Iranian Athlete Elnaz Rekabi Will Be Jailed for Competing Without Hijab

Mar. 15, 2025

An Iranian rock climber who appeared without a hijab while competing in South Korea will be jailed, a news organization in the country has reported.

On Sunday, 33-year-old Elnaz Rekabi made headlines during the Asian Championships climbing competition in Seoul when she competed without a head covering, which Iran’s government requires women to wear. The hijab is even required during sporting competitions when they are representing the country abroad, perCNN.

Footage of Rekabi’s climb wasshared on social media, with many saying her appearance was likely an “act of defiance” against the requirement.

According to theNew York Times, Rekabi returned to Iran with her team on Tuesday. A post to her Instagram page later said that she did not wear a hijab during her climb because of “bad timing.”

The message said Rekabi was “alongside the team based on the pre-arranged schedule”.

Elnaz Rekabi.Aflo/Shutterstock

The controversy over Rekabi’s lack of hijab comes as protests continue throughout Iran after the death of a 22-year-old woman, who authorities arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely, according to CNN.

An International Federation of Sport Climbing official told CNN that they were “aware” of Rekabi’s ordeal.

They added: “We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops on her arrival.”

source: people.com