Paris: French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla will participate in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony wearing a cap to cover her hair, following discussions with the French Olympic Committee. This agreement was reached after Sylla initially faced exclusion due to her hijab. The French Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the French Athletics Federation, the Ministry of Sports, Paris 2024, and Berluti, arranged for Sylla to wear a cap during the ceremony's athlete parade along the Seine River.
This decision came amid France's adherence to "laïcité," or secularism, which governs the separation of state and church and includes restrictions on religious attire such as hijabs. Earlier, the Committee's president had emphasised that French Olympians must adhere to secular principles akin to those for public sector workers. However, an accommodation was reached for Sylla, who expressed gratitude on Instagram for the support she received, stating, "We finally reached an agreement so that I could take part in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
" Sylla, set to compete in women’s and mixed relays for France, had previously faced similar challenges during the European Championships in Rome. At that event, she wore a specially designed blue cap with a fabric strip to cover her hair, allowing her to comply with the regulations while participating fully in her sport. The French delegation, including Sylla, will don tailor-made uniforms by luxury brand Berluti during the ceremony.
The resolution underscores ongoing discussions and accommodations within the framework of French law and Olympic regulations regarding religious expression in sports. AP.
