Demonstrations of bravery by athletes such as Sarasadat Khademalsharieh, an Iranian chess player who competed without a hijab, "contribute to a better world", the Spanish Prime Minister said after meeting her on Wednesday.
Pedro Sanchez said he was inspired after his meeting with Ms Khademalsharieh at his official residence, the Moncloa Palace.
Ms Khademalsharieh, 25, who is better known as Sara Khadem, in December took part in the Fide World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, without a headscarf.
She subsequently defected to Spain, where she arrived early this month.
"How much I have learnt today from a woman who inspires me," Prime Minister Sanchez wrote on Twitter.
"All my support to women athletes. Your example contributes to a better world," he added.
In footage provided by the prime minister's office, Ms Khademalsharieh is seen chatting with Mr Sanchez on a couch while wearing a black suit but without a hijab.
They later played a game of chess.
Demonstrations against Iran's clerical leadership have swept the country since mid September when a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, died while in the custody of the morality police, who had detained her for wearing "inappropriate attire".
Laws enforcing the mandatory wearing of a hijab have become a flashpoint during the unrest, with a string of sportswomen competing overseas appearing in public without headscarves.
In a recent interview with newspaper El País, Ms Khademalsharieh ― who holds the title of Woman Grandmaster ― said she used to wear the headscarf at tournaments only when there were cameras because she was representing Iran.
"With the hijab, I'm not me, I don't feel good, and so I wanted to put an end to that situation," she said. "So I decided not to wear it any more."
Ms Khademalsharieh is ranked 771st in the world, according to the International Chess Federation's website, and ninth in Iran.
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
Fringe@Four Line-up
October 1 - Phil Nichol (stand-up comedy)
October 29 - Mandy Knight (stand-up comedy)
November 5 - Sinatra Raw (Fringe theatre)
November 8 - Imah Dumagay & Sundeep Fernandes (stand-up comedy)
November 13 - Gordon Southern (stand-up comedy)
November 22 - In Loyal Company (Fringe theatre)
November 29 - Peter Searles (comedy / theatre)
December 5 - Sinatra’s Christmas Under The Stars (music / dinner show)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Results
2pm: Handicap Dh 90,000 1,800m; Winner: Majestic Thunder, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.30pm: Handicap Dh120,000 1,950m; Winner: Just A Penny, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
3pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m; Winner: Native Appeal, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Classic Conditions Dh300,000 1,400m; Winner: Thegreatcollection, Adrie de Vries, Doug Watson.
4pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m; Winner: Oktalgano, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.30pm: Conditions Dh250,000 1,400m; Winner: Madame Ellingtina, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
5pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m; Winner: Mystery Land, Fabrice Veron, Helal Al Alawi.
5.30pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,000m; Winner: Shanaghai City, Jesus Rosales, Rashed Bouresly.
