Australian boxer Tina Rahimi slams Paris Olympics hijab ban

Aussie boxier Tina Rahimi has smashed the Paris Olympics over a controversial ban that has already sent a shockwave across the host nation.

Aussie boxier Tina Rahimi has smashed the Paris Olympics over a controversial ban that will stop French Muslim athletes from competing with their traditional headdress.

Despite growing campaigns and public appeals, the French government has stood firm on its decision.

French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera announced this updated policy in April, which will take effect on July 26, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

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This decision has lit a flame under human rights organisations, who claim the ban contradicts France’s pledge to deliver the first gender-equal Games.

France has already lost athletes across all levels of sport due to the controversial policy.

Rahimi, who will become the first Muslim boxer selected to represent Australia at the Olympics, joined the outcry against the ban this week.

The 28-year-old, who will compete as part of a squad of 12 fighters in Paris, said the ban didn’t make sense.

Aussie boxier Tina Rahmi has smashed the Paris Olympics over a controversial ban that will stop French Muslim athletes from competing with their traditional headdress.

This decision has lit a flame under human rights organisations, who claim the ban contradicts France’s pledge to deliver the first gender-equal Games.

“It’s so unfortunate... I’m really, really upset that that is something they’ve (the French government) put forward and that they’re not changing,” she said.

“This has got to do with the laws in France. Thankfully I’m still able to participate in my hijab, which I’m so grateful for – because I am not a French athlete, I am an Australian athlete.

‘How is my hijab going to affect anything?’

“But it’s so unfortunate for the athletes in France because it has nothing to do with their performance. It should not get in the way of you being an athlete.

“How is my hijab going to affect anything? People grow up wanting to go to the Olympics and it’s all that they work towards, and all that they want to achieve.

“It’s so hard for you to be an Olympic athlete and to think that you have to give away your faith to participate in these events... that would be taking away someone’s dream.

“I believe everyone should be equal. I stand by all the French girls. It’s so unfortunate.”

The Paris Olympics get underway on Wednesday (AEST) with a small number of events before the Opening Ceremony officially kicks off proceedings in the early hours of Saturday morning (AEST).

Originally published as Australian boxer Tina Rahimi slams Paris Olympics hijab ban