Last weekend, Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi appeared at the Asian Championships without a headscarf, an act that drew worldwide attention in the wake of Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody. Within hours, Rekabi and her allies faced confusion as friends reported losing contact, triggering speculation about detention or arrest. Rekabi later issued a statement on Instagram explaining that the event had occurred accidentally and that she faced a headscarf issue during the competition. She expressed regret for causing concern among the Iranian people and affirmed her intention to return with the team. In response, state media dismissed the situation as media gossip and portrayed it as a trap, while many humanitarian groups and Iranian activists saw it as an act of self-censorship and dissent.
In an Instagram post, Rekabi described the headscarf problem as involuntary and a result of ill-timed circumstances during the climbing contest. She apologized for worrying the public and said she would travel back to Iran with the rest of the team. A short time later, a post from Iran International English summarized the exchange and included a note from Rekabi’s supporters about her situation and the broader political context. [Iran International English coverage, October 2022]
Hijab as a choice
There were concerns about Rekabi’s safety after her appearance without compulsory attire. Reports circulated that her mobile phone and passport might have been seized. Advocates argued that she should be allowed to compete without a hijab and emphasized that it should be a personal option, not a tool of political pressure. They urged the regime to stop killing, detaining, and forcing women to apologize for showing their hair, chanting, “Woman, life, freedom.”
NGO reports noted high casualty figures since protests began, while officials described many of these figures as victims of the ongoing turmoil. Rekabi has consistently faced scrutiny in public appearances. Critics pointed out that in most of her photos she wears something on her head, with the latest post showing hair exposed. The climber has also faced a trail of obstacles in her career, including training alone and finding ways to compete while restricted from training with men. Supporters argued that ensuring comfort and safety in apparel should be compatible with the sport of climbing.
“They are liars”
Rekabi’s controversial public appearance amplified the political role of athletes in Iran’s protests. The discussion also touched other notable athletes, including Ali Daei, a former national team captain and famed striker who has played abroad. Daei faced consequences after speaking out, including the withdrawal of his passport following demonstrations. His public stance was cited by supporters as a symbol of national pride, while critics argued that political tension had overshadowed sports. Daei asserted that his homeland and family deserved safety, and he criticized the regime’s handling of dissent. Other voices, including players like Hertha Berlin’s Ali Karimi, were highlighted as critics of regime measures. Karimi was later described by state-aligned outlets as a figure rallying uprisings, a label contested by many observers.
“Death for the Session”
The week preceding the latest events saw protests outside prominent figures’ homes, and banners expressing solidarity with the Iranian feminist movement appeared in public spaces. Bundesliga players such as Sardar Azmoun challenged national team rules by voicing support for protests, tweeting messages that emphasized the sacrifice of Iranian women. Some messages disappeared from public view shortly after being posted. The discourse around these actions highlighted the split between political expression and team policies during international duties.
Azmoun, who was abroad for a friendly match, stated that personal conscience outweighed the potential consequences. His remarks underscored the broader debate about athletes using their platform to comment on social issues. Iran’s national team captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh echoed the sentiment of supporting fundamental rights, though fan reactions were mixed, with some criticizing the approach as overly bold amid national interests. The controversy contributed to discussions about whether Iran should participate in global tournaments amid ongoing internal strife.
Calls to disqualify Iran from the World Cup circulated among supporters of broader political change. An open letter circulated in soccer communities argued against allowing a regime with alleged human rights abuses onto the world stage. The letter framed the issue as a human rights matter and called for FIFA to withhold a platform from the Iranian government until core rights are respected. The movement has also highlighted efforts in Tehran during 2022 to permit women access to sports venues, framing progress as fragile and far from normalized in a climate wary of sport as a social catalyst.
In 2020, a separate case involving Navid Afkari, a Greco-Roman wrestler, drew international attention after his execution following allegations of torture and coerced confession. Advocates argued that such actions were used to intimidate opponents of the regime, demonstrating how sport has become deeply intertwined with political resistance. The broader message remains that the sporting arena can serve as a frontline in struggles for rights and dignity in Iran, shaping public discourse and resilience among those who challenge the status quo. [Cited coverage and context from regional outlets]