Sahar Khodayari who opened doors of Azadi Stadium for thousands of Iranian female fans

Iran : Sahar Khodayari, famously known as the ‘blue girl’, gifted the biggest smile to female sports fans in Iran. Witnessing a historic change, purple seats reserved for Iran Vs Cambodia are all houseful. Thanks to Sahar, who sacrificed her life to make it possible for women of Iran.



Iran’s top football team holds a minute of silence before training, in honor of their fan #BlueGirl who set herself on fire and died, after she was arrested for trying to enter the stadium dressed as a boy.pic.twitter.com/GROlKfcQRx — Negar Mortazavi (@NegarMortazavi) September 12, 2019

Iran is all set to play its World Cup qualifiers against Cambodia in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium. The “Blue Girl” will be missed in the heart of fans, on social media and in the loudest cheers of fans. But, Khodayari left her voice resonating in the voices of thousands of women who will be cheering inside the stadium. It is real and all set to take place this Thursday where 3500 women will be supporting their teams in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.

Activists, journalists, fans are all astonished as well as excited balancing between the two as this historic move unfolds. Indeed, not an easy journey as we rewind back to thirty days. Sahar Khodayari, a super fan of Team Esteghlal, dared to enter the stadium. Shunning feminine looks and adopting patriarchal identity was the deal for her to enter the stadium.

We are sorry & saddened to hear the death of Sahar Khodayari,an Iranian football fan who burnt herself after being charged & sent to jail for going to stadium to watch her club @EsteghlalFC_En. Football is for all,should be watched & supported by all. RIP Sahar#Sirkal #Esteghlal pic.twitter.com/hkUWCrqVsL — GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) September 12, 2019

Women were banned to attend sports events and from making public appearances without hijab since 1979 Islamic revolution. So Sahar donned men’s attire to enter the stadium.



Unfortunately, she was caught by the security. The court announced six months jail to Sahar. On hearing the verdict, The “Blue Girl” put herself on fire outside the court. After nine days of struggle with life, Sahar took her last breath on 9th September.

Iranian women thrilled to be able to buy tickets to watch the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier between Iran and Cambodia.

While the majority of the seats for men remain empty, those allocated to women (purple ones) have sold out, and more seats are now being allocated gradually. pic.twitter.com/ARsuz91Qw2 — Reza Khaasteh (@Khaaasteh) October 4, 2019

Mourns and prayers started filling the social media walls. The word started spreading online and in real time. Athletes and global fans from all over the world voiced their opinions to either shun the law or ban Iran.

Today, almost after a month, when FIFA ensured the participation of female fans to the stadium, 3500 tickets was sold in five minutes. Women seats, marked in purple, are filling up faster than men.

On the Thursday, 10th October 2019 gates will be open and welcoming a revolutionary change. Azadi Stadium will be welcoming the powerful strata of fans. And the global sports fans will be witnessing a change of a lifetime.

At Indian Sports Fan, we pray together for the peaceful soul of “Blue Girl” aka Sahar Khodayari. She will be missed forever in the heart of global sports fans.