Minister: Asian Para Games` Hijab Incident not a Religious Issue
10 October 2018 13:06 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Youth and Sports Minister (Menpora) Imam Nahrawi explained that the incident experienced by Indonesian blind judo athlete Miftahul Jannah is a reflection of the sport’s professionalism, and that she was disqualified for violating the rules by refusing to remove her hijab during a match.
“This is a sporting match, where the real issue is not about religion or differences, but is a matter of principle or regulation that must correspond with every other element. This must be respected,” said Imam Nahrawi after a press conference at the GBK Arena’s Main Press Center on Tuesday, October 9.
On Monday, October 8, 21-year old Miftah refused to open her hijab after stepping onto the judo match matrass during the blind-judo match in the Asian Para Games 2018.
Read also: Disqualified Blind Judo Athlete Decides to be a Chess Athlete
However, Imam Nahrawi showed his appreciation toward Miftah’s decision that was consistent with her principle.
The minister said that Monday’s incident was a moment where he truly admires Miftah’s decision to cover her hair as her religion states.
The regulation of banning any form of head cover in a judo match is purely driven by safety precautions from the International judo federation and must be applied as-well-as-possible. However, a breakthrough already took place in 2012 during the Olympics when a Saudi Arabian athlete wore a modified hijab that only covered her hair that was considered to still comply with the rules.
MOH KHORY ALFARIZI