Faezeh Hashemi Comments on Fourth Muslim Women Games

Iran News Daily:

TEHRAN – Faezeh Hashemi, daughter of the former president Hashemi Rafsanjani and organizer of the fourth Muslim Women Games said in a news conference attended by domestic and international media representatives: "Being the daughter of the former president has opened many doors for me and allowed to me to accomplish a number of things I otherwise would not have been able to do such as be the organizer of these games. My biggest wish is for equality among men and women."

The press briefing was also attended by correspondents from Rai Sport channel of Italy as well as British media outlets.

Elsewhere, British Muslim sportswomen who were also present at this gathering complained about their treatment by the UK authorities.

Fahmida Varsi, spokeswoman for the delegation said: "The British government did not help us in anyway toward participating in these games. We paid our own way here. We are also displeased with the organizers of these games for allowing the British Squash team to take part in this tournament because the entire team is Christian.

How can Islamic Women's Games grow and develop like this? Moreover, the government in London discriminates against Muslims and the only reason it did not lend any support to us was because we are women of Islamic faith. There are very few Muslim women in Britain who are involved in sports who wear the Hejab. As a result, the government ignores us and wants nothing to do with us. The truth is the discrimination against us is not just limited to sports but extends to all walks of life and in everything we do in British society. We have no choice but to live in Britain. After all we were born there and are a part of that society but it is not fair that just because we are observant Muslims who wear the Islamic cover we should be treated the way we are. There is only one sports hall available to us in all of London and we have to pay almost $50 for gaining access to that arena in order to practice once a week."

In conclusion, she mentioned that Muslim News a newspaper published in Britain supported them by providing them with uniforms and finding them a trainer (coach). The Fourth Muslim Women Games is currently being held in Tehran from September 23-29.