REVEALED: Why French athletes won't be allowed to wear hijabs at Paris Olympics

• French athletes representing the country at the Paris Olympics will be banned from wearing hijabs during the games
• The Minister for Sports and head of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Amelie Oudea-Castera, gave the decree last September
• The decision has been frowned upon by human rights groups, with the IOC providing clarification about athletes from other countries

The 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, now officially less than 72 hours away from starting, has faced its fair share of challenges.

Over 10,000 athletes are expected in the fourth-largest city of the European Union ahead of the opening ceremony on July 26 at River Seine.

The Olympic rings sit on display on the Eiffel Tower ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. Photo by David Ramos.
Source: Getty Images

The organisers have had to grapple with a myriad of issues. From bedbug invasion to the homelessness crisis, the authorities have been forced to put in the effort to ensure the city is ready to host the biggest sporting bonanza.

Why French athletes are banned from wearing hijab at Paris 2024

But even after all this, the host nation still remains in the news for negative reasons after they banned their hijab-wearing athletes from donning the religious symbol during the Olympics.

As reported by Reuters, French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera made the declaration last year, saying that the move was aimed at respecting the principles of secularism and ensuring absolute neutrality in public services.

The French law that the country's civil servants are supposed to adhere to states that,

"The principles of secularism (laïcité) and neutrality means prohibition from wearing outwardly religious symbols, including the hijab, veil and headscarf when they are acting in their official capacity and on official occasions as members of the French national team," as quoted by the Time.

The move attracted widespread condemnation from human rights groups, with UN spokesperson Marta Hurtado stating, 'No one should tell a woman what she is supposed to wear and what she is supposed not to wear'.

Will other athletes be allowed to wear the hijab?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has since clarified that the rule will only affect French athletes. Athletes from other countries can wear a veil if they wish in the Olympic village.

Tobi Amusan finishes second at Holloway meet

Legit.ng has also reported that Tobi Amusan lost in her final warmup before the Paris Olympics.

The 100m hurdles world record holder lost to America Grace Stark during the Mike Holloway pro Classics in Florida.

Amusan is expected to be among the contenders for the gold medal in Paris after finishing fourth in Tokyo three years ago.

Source: Legit.ng