Head of Iran Weightlifting Federation Ali Moradi said that the Iranian women weightlifters can compete in the sport.

Gender equality in sports has always been a controversial topic.

In July 2011, International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) modified its competing rules to allow tight-fitting, body-length unitards for the first time.

"Weightlifting is an Olympic sport open for all athletes to participate without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin in accordance with the principles of the Olympic Charter and values," said IWF President Tamas Ajan at that time. "This rule modification has been considered in the spirit of fairness, equality and inclusion."

Now, Moradi says the Iranian federation is ready to support the Iranian female weightlifters in the domestic and international competitions.

“In the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Turkmenistan the Muslim women participated in the weightlifting competition. I think the women have no problem to participate in weightlifting wearing the hijab,” Moradi said.

“IOC has a special committee which monitors gender equality. This is a good opportunity for our country because the Iranian women have the potential to win medals,” he added.