Saudi judoka may wear form of headscarf

LONDON (AP) — The IOC says an agreement has been reached to allow a female judo athlete from Saudi Arabia to compete wearing some form of headscarf.

Saudi Arabia sent its two first female Olympians to the London Games on condition they adhere to the kingdom’s conservative Islamic traditions, including wearing a headscarf.

Judo officials had said a headscarf could be dangerous because the sport includes chokeholds and aggressive grabbing techniques.

But IOC spokesman Mark Adams says a solution has been found, clearing the way for Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani to compete Friday in the women’s heavyweight division.

Adams said Tuesday the International Judo Federation and Saudi Olympic Committee reached an agreement that “works for all parties involved.” Without giving details, he says it allows for the athlete to wear a head covering that is “safety compliant but also allows for cultural sensitivity.”