Soumya Swaminathan Withdraws From Asian Championship Citing Violation of Human Rights As Headscarf-Wearing Is Compulsory in Iran

Woman Grandmaster and former world junior girls' winner Soumya Swaminathan withdrew from the Asian Team Chess Championship which is slated to happen in Hamadan, Iran, from July 26 to August 4. Wearing a headscarf is compulsory in Iran and this was not acceptable to Soumya as she felt that it was a violation of her basic human rights. She took to Facebook to inform her followers about her decision of withdrawing from the Championship.

“I am very sorry to state that I have asked to be excused from the Indian Women's team for the forthcoming Asian Nations Cup (Asian Team) Chess Championship 2018, to be held at Iran from 26 July - 4 Aug 2018, as I do not wish to be forced to wear a Headscarf or Burkha. I find the Iranian law of compulsory Headscarf to be in direct violation of my basic Human Rights including my right to freedom of expression, and right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. It seems that under the present circumstances, the only way for me to protect my rights is not to go to Iran,” read the post.

She further wrote,“I am very disappointed to see that player's rights and welfare are given such less importance while allotting and/or organising official championships. I understand the organisers expecting us to wear our National Team Dress or Formals or Sporting attire for our games during official championships, but surely there is no place for an enforceable religious dress code in Sports.”

“It is a huge honour for me to represent India everytime I am selected in the National Team and I deeply regret that I will be unable to participate in such an important championship. While we sportspersons are willing to make several adjustments for the sake of our sport, always giving it top priority in our life, some things simply cannot be compromised,” wrote Soumya on a concluding note.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 13, 2018 09:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).