22-year-old Nazi Paikidze, the reigning US Women's Chess Champion, said she is boycotting the World Championship to be held in February. This is because, in the host country Iran, women are required by law to wear a hijab. "I think it's unacceptable to host a women's World Championship in a place where women do not have basic fundamental rights and are treated as second-class citizens." "Some consider a hijab part of culture. But, I know that a lot of Iranian women are bravely protesting this forced law daily and risking a lot by doing so. That's why I will NOT wear a hijab and support women's oppression," Paikidze said in an Instagram post announcing her decision.

This is a post for those who don't understand why I am boycotting FIDE's decision. I think it's unacceptable to host a WOMEN'S World Championship in a place where women do not have basic fundamental rights and are treated as second-class citizens. For those saying that I don't know anything about Iran: I have received the most support and gratitude from the people of Iran, who are facing this situation every day. Thank you MyStealthyFreedom for sharing my interview.

A photo posted by Nazi Paikidze-Barnes (@nazipaiki) on Sep 30, 2016 at 8:39am PDT

She has also started a petition, asking organisers to either change the host of the event or to make it optional for women to cover their heads. FIDE, the world chess federation, says Iran "was the only country which made a proposal to host the event" and that no other member nations made any objections.

I hope the world's chessplayers, women and men, find the courage to protest FIDE's decision. Women's rights are human rights. @GMJuditPolgar

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) October 7, 2016

The Russian-born chess star has got a lot of support for her decision including from some all time greats of the game.