Iran boxer in exile says street protests 'not a good strategy' as climber returns home

Iran's Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hamid Sajjadi meets with Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi in Tehran, Iran October 19, 2022. Office of Iran's Sports Ministry/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS

PARIS (Reuters) - Street protests are not a good strategy for opposing Iran's government, an Iranian female boxer in exile said after climber Elnaz Rekabi - who caused controversy by competing in an international contest without a headscarf - returned home to cheering supporters.

Sadaf Khadem became the first Iranian woman to contest an official boxing match three years ago in France and was hoping to lead the way in the Islamic Republic.