Mother converted to Christianity from Islam; ‘Iran had problems’ says Yavarivafa, IOC Refugee program shuttler
The biggest sacrifice Dorsa Yavarivafa has had to make to play badminton is being away from her family, especially her father who got her started out in the sport as a 10 year old. The sport has been a constant through all the tribulations of her refugee life though, and as a International Olympic Committee scholarship athlete, she hopes it will lead her to the Olympics. “It hurts me a little bit, and it’s hard not playing for your country. Who doesn’t wanna play under a flag and make their country proud?” she asks, adding it’s a privilege though to play under the IOC’s Refugee program, and get the opportunity to aim at the Olympics. Who is the greatest women’s singles badminton player? Tai Tzu Ying, Chen Yufei, Yamaguchi, An Se Young or Marin or Sindhu? “Iran didn’t play fair. I was winning National tournaments. But they had problems with my mother’s religion so we had to leave. She was born a Muslim, but believes in Christianity and changing her religion caused a problem,” Dorsa...