London Olympics: Headscarf issue resolved for Saudi judo athlete

LONDON -- The bottom line: Wodjan Shahrkhani will be able to compete in the 78-kilogram judo event because of a compromise crafted between International Judo Federation officials and the Saudi Olympic Committee.

She is one of two Saudi female athletes selected for ground-breaking inclusion in the 2012 Games.

The issue in question was her required headscarf (hijab). The federation had been concerned about safety issues on the mat during the match.

PHOTOS: Muslim women make history

How the groups reached an accord was unclear, as no specifics about the compromise were offered.

On Tuesday, International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams said in a briefing that an agreement had been reached about “a suitable head covering.”

Her father had been quoted in various reports as saying his 16-year-old daughter would not compete at the Olympics unless she was able to wear the hijab.

ALSO:

Zara Phillips, the queen’s granddaughter, earns a silver medal

Chinese doctor drags Michael Phelps into the doping speculation

American officials try not to inflame Ye Shiwen doping allegations