Controversy Over Hijab Ban for French Olympians

French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla found herself entangled in a controversy with the French government over the right to wear a hijab at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. A last-minute compromise allowed her to don a navy blue baseball cap instead. Rights advocates saw the compromise as a continuation of discrimination against Muslims in France.

In the days leading up to the Paris Olympics, French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla found herself embroiled in a controversy with the French government over her right to wear a hijab during the opening ceremony.

A last-minute compromise, in the form of a navy blue baseball cap hastily purchased from a high street store, allowed the 26-year-old to participate in the parade, beaming alongside her fellow national team athletes. However, rights advocates argue that this arrangement perpetuates discrimination against Muslims, even if it showed some flexibility from the authorities.

The French Olympic Committee confirmed that Sylla would compete in the mixed 4x400 meter relay heats wearing the cap. While some see the arranged headwear as a step forward, prominent French lawyer Slim Ben Achour contends that it still infringes upon fundamental religious freedoms. French laws prohibit state workers and school students from wearing religious symbols in public institutions, a rule extended to Olympic athletes considered to be on a 'public service mission.' Rights groups claim this reflects ongoing discrimination against Muslim athletes.

(With inputs from agencies.)