TRUE Africa

Egyptian volleyballer competes for first time in Olympics as hijab is allowed

‘I have worn the hijab for 10 years. It doesn’t keep me away from the things I love to do, and beach volleyball is one of them.’

Doaa Elghobashy was competing with partner Nada Meawad as they made history against German pair by becoming the first ever Egyptian team to compete in a beach volleyball tournament in the Olympics.

‘I’m proud to be seen raising the Egyptian flag in a carnival with so many nations,’ she told the Associated Press.

It’s only recently that the International Volleyball Federation loosened rules on volleyball uniforms to allow full sleeves and trousers.

Sport should be for everyone – whatever they want to wear – and these images prove it.