Saudi Arabia will send two female athletes to this month’s Olympics in London, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed today, just hours after reports in the Gulf state said only males would compete in the event.
According to an IOC statement, Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani will compete in the +78kg judo category, while Sarah Attar with enter the 800m middle-distance run.
The two will become the first ever female athletes to represent the conservative Arab kingdom at the Olympics.
“This is very positive news and we will be delighted to welcome these two athletes in London in a few weeks time,” said IOC President Jacques Rogge.
Arabianbusiness