Women of Saudi Arabia have never been allowed to compete in the Olympics but that may all change at this year’s Olympic Games. Saudi Arabia along with Qatar and Brueni have never sent women to the Olympic games. Saudi Arabia has been one of the only countries in the world that does not permit women to participate in organized sports.
A 2008 report on BBCnews.com hinted that increased pressure was being placed on Saudi Arabia to allow women into the Olympics games. The article implied that if women were not allowed to enter, the male team would barred from competition.
PRESS RELEASE:
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) – A Saudi Arabian newspaper says Crown Prince Nayef has approved plans for the ultra conservative Muslim country to send female athletes to the Olympics for the first time at the London Games.
The Saudi-owned and London-based Al-Hayat newspaper says Nayef, who is heir to the aging king, has approved the participation of women at the London Olympics in sports that “meet the standards of women’s decency and don’t contradict Islamic laws.”
Saudi sports officials could not be reached to confirm Tuesday’s report in the Arabic-language newspaper.
The IOC said Monday that progress has been made in talks with Saudi Olympic officials on sending female athletes and officials to the games.
Saudi Arabia is one of three countries that have never included women on their Olympic teams, along with Qatar and Brunei. The International Olympic Committee is now hopeful that all three will send female representatives to London, marking the first time every competing nation does so.
“The IOC is confident that Saudi Arabia is working to include women athletes and officials at the Olympic Games in London in accordance with the international federations’ rules,” the IOC said Monday.
IOC President Jacques Rogge said in an interview with The Associated Press last week that he was “optimistic” that Saudi Arabia would send women to London.
“It depends on the possibilities of qualifications, standards of different athletes,” he said. “We’re still discussing the various options.”
Photo via: news.bbc.co.uk
