Egyptian Volleyball Players Play In Full Hijab, Challenging France’s Ban On Religious Coverings At Paris Olympics

In a striking display of cultural diversity at the Paris Olympics, Egyptian beach volleyball players Marwa Abdelhady and Doaa Elghobashy competed in full-body uniforms and hijabs, contrasting sharply with their bikini-clad Spanish opponents.

The match, which Spain won 2-0, highlighted the ongoing debate over athletic wear and religious expression in sports. Photos of the two teams embracing after the game quickly went viral, highlighting the noticeable differences in their outfits.

The Egyptian duo’s appearance comes amid controversy surrounding France’s decision to prohibit its own athletes from wearing hijabs during the Games. French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera defended the ban, citing the country’s principle of secularism.

Elghobashy spoke out against the French policy, emphasizing the importance of respecting diverse cultural and religious practices in sports. “I want to play in my hijab, she wants to play in a bikini — everything is ok,” Elghobashy told a Swedish newspaper. “Just respect all different cultures and religions.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) faced pressure from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, to overturn the French ban. In a letter to the IOC, these groups argued that such restrictions discriminate against Muslim athletes and can lead to their exclusion from sports.

Anna Błus, an Amnesty International researcher, criticized the ban, stating it “makes a mockery of claims that Paris 2024 is the first gender-neutral Olympics.”

The controversy points to a bigger problem in French sports, where hijab bans are applied in sports such as, football, basketball, and volleyball, impacting athletes of all levels.

Sports Minister Oudea-Castera was involved in a controversy last week when French President Emmanuel Macron was seen giving her a “strange kiss” at the opening ceremonies.