Iran to allow women compete internationally

Women weightlifters from Iran will be allowed to compete internationally for the first time, the president of the country's weightlifting federation said on Thursday.

In a sign of changing attitudes, Saudi Arabia also confirmed the setting up of a women's program, opening the way to the country also fielding a national women's team six years after the sport's governing body allowed the wearing of the hijab, the traditional Islanic headscarf, in competition.

"They have high capacity like men athletes, and I hope that, wearing special clothes for Muslim athletes, they will be able to take part in international championships in the near future."

Attila Adamfi, director general of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), said: "This is good news, and it's very significant in Iran, where weightlifting is at the highest level for men, and zero level for women."

Both countries field men's teams at the IWF World Championships in Anaheim, California, starting next week, and are expected to announce more details there.

UCJ, UNILORIN.