Paris Olympics surrounded by controversies, athlete wearing hijab was punished

The Paris Olympic Games have not even begun and controversies have already begun to arise. First the Argentina vs Morocco football match became the center of debate and now a French female athlete has become a victim of discrimination for wearing a hijab. French runner Soonkamba Sylla has said that she is being prevented from participating in Friday's opening ceremony. The French Olympic Committee says that it is investigating the matter and a solution will be found soon.

Entry not allowed in inauguration ceremony

Soonkamba Sylla is a French woman and a member of the mixed team competing in the 400m. Expressing her objection to not getting entry in the opening ceremony, she said, “I have been selected for the Olympics, these games are being held in my own country, but I cannot participate in the opening ceremony because I only wear hijab.”

French Olympic Committee president David Leppartint said French athletes are bound by secular principles that apply to all people working in the country's public sectors. Under these principles, wearing the hijab is prohibited.

Negotiations for an agreement are ongoing

David Leppartint said that talks are going on with Sila to resolve the matter. A solution will be found that does not harm the secularism of French athletes and also respects Sila's personal views. Let us tell you that many French athletes participating in the Olympics have also expressed their support for Sila on the social media post made by her. Let us tell you that Sila has already participated in many big events wearing a hijab. No objection was raised to her wearing a hijab at the 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Championships and the World Relays in May 2024.