Iran women's team makes FIBA 3x3 World Cup history in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The Iranian women’s team to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup made history by being the first women’s team wearing a hijab to win a match. Iran defeated Andorra, 21-12, for their first win in four matches.

FIBA ratified the proposal overturning the ban of the use of a hijab last May 4, 2017.

According to USA Basketball chief executive officer Jim Tooley, “It came up in our meeting board and everyone supported the change.”

While Iran will not advance to the next round of the competition, the win is nevertheless historic. They are the first women’s team to wear a hijab in doing so.

“That is just as much a part of our culture and identity,” said Iran coach Nikka Nikbikli. “We want to show our government and the people in Iran that we can do well in women’s 3x3 basketball.”

Added their star guard Mozghan Khoddadi, who finished with only one point in the win, “We love the game and we believe that we can create something for the women in Iran to be good at.”

With Khoddadi checked by Andorra’s defense, her teammates, Saiedeh Elli and Masoumeh Esmaeilzadeh Soudjani carried the scoring cudgels by tacking on 11 and six points, respectively.

Iran earlier lost to the United States, 21-7; Russia 22-12; and Uganda 18-10; before tacking on the win against Andorra.

“We saved the best for last,” summed up coach Nikka.

In the recent FIBA Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China, from April 27-May 1, 2018, this same Iranian team lost to Australia, 22-3, and to Japan, 20-16. Iran finished 11th in a field of 18.

“We will always remember Manila because people have been so good to us and they help and cheer for us,” added Khoddadi.