I was recently asked by the Telegraph in the UK about the upcoming Womens World Championship being in Iran and women wearing head scarf (hijab) during competition. Here is my response:
This is my personal opinion. I have traveled to nearly 60 countries. When I visited different places with different cultures, I like to show my respect by dressing up in their traditional style of clothing (enclosed are a few examples of my trips to India, Vietnam and Azerbaijan, etc.). No one asked me to do it. I just do it out of respect.
I personally would have no issues with wearing a head scarf (hijab) as long as it is the same to all players. I believe the organizers provided beautiful choices for past participants of Womens Grand Prix. I cannot speak on behalf of others but from my personal conversations with various players in the past year, they had no real issues with it.
If any player has a problem with it, she can and should voice her opinion to WOM (Commission for Womens Chess) or FIDE and we can address it in our next meeting.
[caption id="attachment_345578" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
In Vietnam[/caption][caption id="attachment_345579" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
In Chennai[/caption][caption id="attachment_345580" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
In India[/caption]By Chess Daily News
