Basketball game the scene of an unprecedented moment in Iran's history

TEHRAN - A historical moment took place in the Iranian capital of Tehran on Thursday as the country's men attended a women's basketball game. This marked the first time that men were allowed to witness a women's sporting event in person.

Mr Mahmoud Mashhoun and Mr Ali Towfigh, respectively the President and Secretary General of the Basketball Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, were on hand for this unique occasion, while FIBA was represented by Mr Lubomir Kotleba, Advisor to the Secretary General.

It served as an opportunity for FIBA representatives to witness a game with players wearing the hijab. This comes ahead of next month's Mid-Term Congress, when FIBA will receive a proposal from its Technical Commission that would allow headgear to be worn safely by athletes as basketball's world governing body favors a modification of its current headgear rule.

Mr Mashoun said: "I would like to thank FIBA for this opportunity and for supporting us for all these years. It is an historical day not just for Iran but for the whole Muslim world. We are hopeful that FIBA will come up with a positive decision regarding the matter of headgear."

FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Patrick Baumann said: "This is a historical moment for women's sport in Iran. I would like to thank the federation and the Iranian authorities for making this unprecedented event take place."

FIBA