RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — A Saudi-owned newspaper says no women from the ultraconservative Muslim kingdom have qualified for the London Olympics.
The report adds that Saudi male athletes have qualified to compete in track, equestrian and weightlifting at the games that start in less than three weeks.
The pan-Arab daily newspaper Al-Sharq al-Awsat is an important media tool for Saudi rulers.
Saudi leaders have been under pressure to end the practice of sending all-male teams to international competitions. They could face IOC sanctions after the London Games if women are excluded from the country’s Olympic team.
The Saudi Embassy in London said two weeks ago that women who qualify will be allowed to compete.
