London 2012: Saudi Arabia judoka will not wear hijab in competition
Last updated on .From the section Olympics
The International Judo Federation says one of Saudi Arabia's two female Olympic team members will compete in the judo tournament without a hijab.
President Marius Vizer confirmed that Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani will not be wearing the headscarf which covers the hair, but not the face.
Her +78kg event takes place on Thursday 2 August.
The hijab is worn by many women in Saudi Arabia but judo has banned it for safety reasons.
The kingdom has traditionally only selected male athletes for its team.
Vizer said: "The athlete from Saudi Arabia will fight in the spirit of judo and according to the principles of judo without a hijab."
Shahrkhani, 16, and 800m runner Sarah Attar are Saudi Arabia's two female competitors.
There is almost no public tradition of women participating in sport in Saudi Arabia, and officials have found it difficult to find athletes who could meet the minimum criteria for competing.
Officials have also said that female competitors will need to dress in such a way as "to preserve their dignity".
