Iran

Iran Allows Women Weightlifters To Compete Internationally

"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," Ali Moradi, president of the Iranian Weightlifting Federation. (November 24, 2017)

Iranian Women Angered As Syrian Female Fans Allowed Into Soccer Match

A double standard by Iranian authorities -- who allow foreign women to attend male sporting events while banning Iranian women -- came under fire during a World Cup qualifying soccer match between Iran and Syria. (September 06, 2017)

Iranian Soccer Stars Call For End To Ban On Women Spectators

Two prominent Iranian footballers have called for lifting a ban on women attending major men's sports events, adding to pressure from women's rights activists long battling the prohibition. (July 10, 2017)

Iran Bans Female Billiards Players For Violating Islamic Codes Of Conduct 

Iranian women are permitted to participate in a number of international sporting events, but must respect strict rules regarding Islamic dress at all times. (March 31, 2017)

Iran Bans Teen Chess Siblings Over Head Scarf, Match Against Israeli

Iran enforces a dress code that requires women to cover their hair with the Islamic head scarf, or hijab, through regular crackdowns. (February 20, 2017)

Pakistan

Pakistani 'Genghis Khan' Champions Women's Rights On The Squash Court

She is Pakistan's top female squash player with the ambition of one day becoming world champion. (March 8, 2016)

Afghanistan

Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team Hits The Court In Kabul

Women from across Afghanistan played the first game of the season in wheelchair basketball in Kabul on October 18. (October 19, 2016)

Ukraine

Master's Maneuver: Chess Champion Draws Line On Defending Titles Where 'Women's Rights Are Violated'

To Anna Muzychuk, passing up the opportunity to defend her dual titles at the world speed-chess championships this week in Saudi Arabia was difficult. But ultimately, the 27-year-old Ukrainian grand master concluded, she didn't want to compete in a country where "women's rights are violated." (January 3, 2018)