VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Youth and Sport Minister, Imam Nahrawi said that Indonesian women Judo athlete, Miftahul Jannah that was disqualified from Asian Para Games 2018 was becuase she refused to take off her headscarf or hijab during the game. In a press conference held at the Main Press Center of Gelora Bung Karno Sports Stadium, on Tuesday October 9th 2018, Minister Imam Nahrowi stated that what has happened to Miftahul Jannah is purely an international rule not discrimination or religious matters. 

"I do respect and admire Miftahul Jannah’s decision by not taking off her hijab. She kept it eventhough she had known it earlier that she had to remove her hijab during the game, because according to the regulation, it could be dangerous for the athlete. On the other hand, regulation of the International Judo Fderation has to be applied, no exception. This is the game. It is not a matter of different religion or anything, but it is purely the principles and regulation that have to be applied," said Imam Nahrawi.

Furthermore, Imam Nahrawi said that with the disqualification, it will be a homework for the International Judo Federation to find a breakthrough of hijab modification that can be used by the athletes. Imam also said that he will try to ask International Judo Federation to have flexible regulation especially for Muslim athletes. (VOI/TONO/TRANS NK/AHM)