MOSCOW, Oct 21 competition for a performance without a hijab at the Asian Climbing Championships in Seoul, said the head of the National Olympic Committee of Iran, Mahmoud Khosravi Wafa. According to him, there is no reason to take disciplinary action against Rekabi, since the lack of a hijab was «unintentional.» «This is a small problem. I I'm surprised it's talked about so much. It wasn't a big problem in our opinion. I talked to her and said she's very talented. She should continue on this path to possibly qualify for the Paris Olympics. She is fully supported by the National Olympic Committee of Iran,» Vafu was quoted by the Associated Press. On Sunday, Rekabi participated in the Asian Championships in Seoul, finishing fourth in the all-around. Before the ascent, the 33-year-old athlete gathered her hair in a ponytail. In Iran, women are required to wear a headscarf that covers their hair, neck and shoulders in public. Rekabi herself said that she forgot to wear a hijab to the competition, as she was suddenly called to perform, because of which she had to rush to put on her shoes and adjust her ammunition. She also denied reports that she did not keep in touch with her family and friends and that she left South Korea ahead of schedule.
