Sarah Gamal: First Arab Women’s Basketball Referee at the Middle East Olympics News

Hijab-clad Sarah Gamal will be the first Arab and African woman to referee 3 and 3 basketball games at the Olympics.

When 3-in-3 basketball makes its debut at the Tokyo Olympics, Judge Sarah Gamal will also make a breakthrough as she plays as an Arab and African woman at the Games.

Wearing a black hijab – a headscarf worn by many Muslim women who feel part of their religion – Gamal is tall among the high-flying men at the Alexandria United Club, with an ordinary Egyptian basketball central fanbase.

“I haven’t heard any negative comments or obstacles since the beginning of my trip as a referee because I’m a covered woman. For me the veil is normal and doesn’t cause any problems,” the 32-year-old told AFP.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) changed its rules in 2017 to allow players to wear a hijab under certain conditions.

To attract a younger international hobby, FIBA ​​hosted 3 out of 3 competitions known in public courts around the world before adding the format to the 2017 Tokyo Olympic program.

The games are played on a midfield with a basket, in front of the traditional extreme court in the game of 5 out of 5. To win, a team must score 21 points first or beat its opponent in two 10-minute halves.

No fear of men

Gamal has had extensive experience spreading the trail for aspiring women referees and players, including the 2018 FIBA ​​World Youth Cup in Belarus and the 2017 African Women’s Championship.

“Beloa [hijab] so far it has not affected my referee in the tournaments and I am ready to play in the Tokyo Olympics to prove that, “he said.” My thinking is focused on the proper training and preparation to carry out this important event. “

Working in Alexandria as a civil engineer in a major men’s industry, he is not afraid of male athletes on the wooden fields.

“I have judged men’s matches in the past and I have had great success directing them, which has earned the confidence of the Egyptian refereeing committee.”

Gamal fell in love with the game at the age of five, learning from his older sister.

“I was five years old when I started making the hoop. This helped me organize my time between learning and training. It’s all thanks to my mother, who steered the narrow boat until I got to college and studied civil engineering, ”he told AFP.

“It was difficult, especially because it’s an area that requires a lot of hard learning and a lot of mental effort,” he said.

She is eager to show off her skills and experience at the Olympics.

“My family is still working on the news that is being selected. It’s a great reward for all the sweat and tears I’ve had in recent years,” Gamal said

He started as a player and passed on to referees at the age of 16 “because I had a great passion for a deeper understanding of the rules.”

“My family has been totally supportive,” he added.

‘Feeling responsible’

“Being positive is the first Arab and African woman to judge 3 and 3 matches at the Olympics. There is no pressure and I am sure that this step will pave the way for other Arab and African women, ”she said.

“There’s nothing that really scares me, but I feel responsible,” Gamal added.

He stressed that his family is fine with traveling in the global pandemic if he takes action.

“My family is a little worried when I travel … but that hasn’t reduced my enthusiastic support for me,” Gamal said.

As he prepares to play on the Tokyo court, Gamal has his next goals on display.

“I want to reach the Men’s and Women’s World Cups and maintain the confidence that the international organization has placed in me so far.”