Disqualified Blind Judo Athlete Decides to be a Chess Athlete
10 October 2018 08:12 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The recently disqualified blind judo athelete Miftahul Jannah after refusing to remove her hijab prior to a judo match in Asian Para Games, decided to leave judo and choose to be chess athlete, said the Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi in a press conference at GBK Arena, Jakarta on Tuesday, October 9.
“And what I am proud of her is that she`s always show commitment to being an athlete. She will be a 'blind chess' athlete,” Imam Nahrawi remarked.
Imam explained the 21-year-old girl had a skill in chess, proven by a match between the minister and Miftah at his residence in Widya Chandra, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday morning. “I almost lose [to her],” said the politician from the Nation Awakening Party (PKB).
Read also: Disqualified Hijab-wearing Blind Judo Athlete Rewarded with Umrah
When being met on the same occasion, Miftah confirmed the statement. The Acehnese girl said her parents had introduced her to chess since she was 4 years old. Even two years since then, the women born on May 4, 1997, competed in a chess tournament.
Even two years since then, the woman born on May 4, 1997, competed in a chess tournament.
Miftah determined to focus on the sports branch. She mentioned that she would not return to judo although there would be regulations that allow Muslim judoka to compete while wearing hijab in the future.
“No, [i will not return to judo]. Miftah will commit and aim to be chess athlete despite many obstacles must be passed,” said Miftahul Jannah.
ANTARA