Iranian Judoka Barred From Yekaterinburg Event Over Hijab Rule
An Iranian judoka competing in the over 78 kilograms division faced a notable barrier at the International University Sports Festival held in Yekaterinburg. Sabzkar Marzieh was unable to step onto the tatami because officials instructed her to remove her hijab before entering the competition area. The decision, reported by DEA News through the event’s press service, sparked a broader discussion about how uniform rules intersect with personal religious practice in sport.
Officials explained that Marzieh did not comply with the rule requiring competitors to remove head coverings prior to entering the mats. They cited a prohibition on headscarves within the judo competition guidelines registered by the International Judo Federation. The incident was presented as a friction point between established uniform regulations and an athlete’s commitment to religious expression. Those following the event described the moment as distressing, underscoring the emotional impact on athletes who adhere to religious dress codes while chasing opportunities in international competition.
The International University Sports Festival presents a wide array of disciplines. The program includes badminton, 3×3 basketball, boxing, volleyball, futsal, judo, swimming, diving, sambo, table tennis, tennis, wrestling, taekwondo, rhythmic gymnastics, and more. The festival aims to bring together student athletes from numerous universities to compete at a high level, fostering athletic excellence and cross cultural exchange across a bustling schedule of events.
As the festival neared its end, organizers announced that the event would conclude on August 31, signaling the closing of a multi discipline competition that mobilized competitors, coaches, and supporters from several countries. The final days typically feature medal ceremonies, decisive bouts, and reviews of performances spanning the sports lineup, spotlighting athletes who demonstrated grit, technique, and strategic thinking across their disciplines.
Coverage of the incident also fed into broader conversations within university sport about inclusivity, religious expression, and sports governance. Advocates for athletes who observe religious practices urged for rules that are clear and consistently applied, while still respecting diverse beliefs and maintaining fair competition. The Yekaterinburg episode has been cited in ongoing debates about how international sports federations balance cultural norms with standardized equipment and apparel regulations. Public reactions varied, with some voices supporting athletes’ rights to religious dress and others emphasizing the need for uniform enforcement to preserve the integrity of competition.