Iran’s Leyla Rajabi competes in the woman’s shot put final in the Asian Games. (Source: AP) Iran’s Leyla Rajabi competes in the woman’s shot put final in the Asian Games. (Source: AP)

It was a poignant gesture in a heated gold medal match between India and Iran women, who were covered from head to toe with full length sleeves. When an Iranian raider was in the Indian half, her hijab was displaced. Instinctively, in middle of a point, the Indian players surrounded her, covered her face and placed the hijab back. “We need to respect their religious sentiments. When the hijab fell from her head, we could see her desperation. So it was natural for us to help her,” India captain Tejaswini Bai said.

In contrast to games in which hijabs are banned — like women’s basketball — officials in kabaddi take great care to ensure the faith and customs of the athletes are respected.

Hindi tattoo on a Korean’s chest

Kim Seong-Ryeol proudly shows off a tattoo, in Devnagri, on his chest which reads — Pride of South Korean kabaddi. Kim, who played a crucial role in the host country’s bronze medal winning performance, was a part of the Bengal Warriors team in the Pro Kabaddi League. Kim can speak fluent Hindi and has acted as a translator for a few Indian players.

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