If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
The Duchess of Cambridge was snubbed by an Iranian athlete who refused to shake her hand after she presented him with his discus silver medal on Sunday.
The Royal was warmly received on the podium by Team GB's gold medal winner Aled Davies and Chinese bronze medallist Lezheng Wang - but when it was Mehrdad Karam Zadeh's turn to step up, the 40-year-old failed to offer a hand to the Duchess, clutching them close to his chest.
His decision not to shake hands with the Duchess was likely to have been a result of Iranian cultural convention which bans such contact between unrelated men and women.
The snub threatened to overshadow a glittering night for Paralympics GB, which enjoyed its most successful day of the Games so far with seven gold medals.
The Iranian delegation in London have not been available to comment on the incident, but according to the Daily Telegraph, they have told Games organisers Zadeh was not making a political statement.
It's believed the athlete was merely conforming to Iranian cultural convention, forbidding men from shaking hands with unrelated women.
A spokesman for St. James's Palace has revealed the Duchess was briefed beforehand and warned not to offer her hand to Zadeh.
'Many male athletes from Islamic countries do not shake hands in public with women they are not related for cultural and religious reasons,' the palace representative said.
'The Duchess was informed in advance and was happy to accept his wishes. She considered it an honour to present the medals.'
The palace added Middleton was 'honoured' to get the chance to present the medals, particularly to a British champion in Davies.
It's not the first time the Iranian custom has caused controversy.
Last year the Iranian volleyball team had to apologise after several team members shook hands with a female referee after a game against Afghanistan.
The gesture provoked outrage and Iran’s state-owned media described the players' behaviour as 'stunning and inappropriate'.
I went to Sharif University. I'm a superior genetic mutation, an improvement on the existing mediocre stock.
great atmostphere, i wish all pfdc members were here to cheer our paralympians.
Me and SyedHamed Solhipour (whos competing tomorrow in the -90kg)
Me and Siamand Rahman (whos competing wednesday for the 100+kg)
Me and the Gold Medalist for -60 kg Nader Moradi
I gave my Iran flag to Siamand Rahman, and wished him the best of luck. He is confident of getting Gold..
Tomorrow we have few players featuring in the athletics, I expect few medals.
Also, went to the volleyball game vs Brazil, comfortable routine victory. Tomorrow playing vs Bosnia (Runner-up in 2008)..
I love how all our athletes come to support each other. For example, for today's Ali Hosseini's game, Siamand,Nader and few others came to cheer up. Love the team spirit.
I've learnt it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts
great atmostphere, i wish all pfdc members were here to cheer our paralympians.
Me and SyedHamed Solhipour (whos competing tomorrow in the -90kg)
Me and Siamand Rahman (whos competing wednesday for the 100+kg)
Me and the Gold Medalist for -60 kg Nader Moradi
I gave my Iran flag to Siamand Rahman, and wished him the best of luck. He is confident of getting Gold..
Tomorrow we have few players featuring in the athletics, I expect few medals.
Also, went to the volleyball game vs Brazil, comfortable routine victory. Tomorrow playing vs Bosnia (Runner-up in 2008)..
I love how all our athletes come to support each other. For example, for today's Ali Hosseini's game, Siamand,Nader and few others came to cheer up. Love the team spirit.
must be a cool experience, they need the support of the iranians the most.
I'm so proud of our beautiful para-Olympic athletes. They make the nation of Iran and its people proud. Their courage, determination, and passion are admirable. They are the true heroes!
Comment