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Iranian Sara Khoshjamal Fekri trains prior to a Taekwondo qualifying competition in Tehran, Iran on June 12. /AP
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A woman who had to train at home due to her country's strict Islamic rules won the first Olympic victory in Taekwondo by an Iranian female athlete at the Beijing Olympics. Sara Khoshjamal Fekri defeated a Moroccan athlete 5-0 in the round of 16 in the women's 49 kg division on Wednesday. But she was defeated 2-0 by Taiwan's Yang Shuchun in the semifinals.
Fekri won matches in the Asian Taekwondo Championships held in Vietnam in March 2007, securing a ticket to the Beijing Olympics. For many in her home country, she is an icon symbolizing the enhanced role of Iranian women. The Korean martial art is popular in Iran, and as many as 120,000 women are said to be enthusiasts.
A large poster featuring Fekri is attached to the outside of the Taekwondo Federation of Iran. Before the opening of the Beijing Olympics, Time magazine included her at 22nd on a list of 100 must-see Beijing Olympic participants.
The road to Beijing was not easy. Religious rules compelled her to train with her older brother in the living room of their house as it was impossible for her to practice with other men outside the home. She wears hijab, a headscarf, and a protective helmet during sweaty matches.
Without hijab, Iranian women can train only in a gymnasium or arena with women spectators. The only men permitted to watch the Iranian women fight are their coaches or other coaching staff. Iran’s religious leaders permit women to train in Taekwondo on grounds that it is in conformity with the Islamic spirit of valuing family and respecting seniors.
In an interview with Al Jazeera before flying to Beijing, Fekri said, "My appearance in Olympics may encourage other women in Iran and around the world to seek a greater social role."
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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