Defending Asian champ Heena Sidhu refuses to wear hijab in Iran, withdraws from event

Reigning champion Heena Sidhu has bowed out of the Asian Airgun Shooting Championship to be held in Tehran, Iran, in December on account of Iran's strict dress code for women.

The official website of the event clearly specifies that women participants will have to abide by the rules and laws specified by the Republic of Iran when on the shooting range or in public places.

According to a report in Navbharat Times, which attributes to sister website Times of India, Sidhu said that she thinks that forcing athletes and tourists to wear a hijab is against the spirit of a sport. 

In a series of tweets on Saturday afternoon, the shooter explained her decision:

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

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

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

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

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

According to the daily, Heena wrote a letter to National Rifle Association about her decision. NRAI president Rajendra Singh said that all the participants, except for Heena, had accepted the Iranian dress codes as they respected the culture and traditions of the country.

Heena will be replaced by Harveen Srao in the 10-meter pistol event of the championship starting on December 3. She will be joining Ruchika Vinerkar and Sarvesh Tomar in the team.