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Muslim American weightlifter fights to compete wearing hijab
American Muslim Kulsoom Abdullah may be the only woman in the world to compete in weightlifting tournaments while wearing the hijab. Now she refuses to be strong-armed by rules prohibiting her from participating because of her loose clothing.Abdullah was told she could not compete in the American Open last year because her long sleeves and pants prevented the judges from ensuring her elbows and knees were fully extended. "When I qualified for the American Open, my coaches told me everyone wears a singlet, but we could ask if I could wear something else to accommodate [the hijab]. Thats when I encountered my first no. I was told I wouldnt even be allowed to walk out on the platform to lift if I didnt wear a singlet," she said. So, backed by CAIR, she appealed to the International Weightlifters Federation, assembling a 44-page packet illustrating an alternate dress code that allows her to compete fairly without compromising her faith. The US Olympic Committee says it will present the case during the Federations annual meeting, which began on Sunday in Malaysia. Posted by: ryuge 2011-06-29 |
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