This is the moment when a brave archery champion risks it all by accepting an award without her hijab on in Iran.

Parmida Ghasemi spurned the mandatory headscarf as she stood on the podium to receive her winner’s medal during the closing ceremony of the Persian Gulf Cup in Tehran on 10th November.

Ghasemi – a member of Iran’s national archery team – carried out the defiant – and illegal – act in full view of sports officials standing just feet away from her.

She follows in the footsteps of Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi and skater Niloufar Mardani, who performed the same gesture.

But while her compatriots removed their hijabs abroad, Ghasemi’s act was notable for having taken place in the Islamic Republic.

Uncovered hair has become a common sight among female opponents of the clerical regime during the ongoing protests in Iran.

The demonstrations began on 16th September following the death of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, 22, in police custody.

Amini is alleged to have been beaten into a coma by morality police for wearing an “improper” hijab.

The ongoing protests in Iran have so far claimed at least 328 lives, including 45 minors, and injured at least 1,160, according to independent estimates.

It is also understood that over 14,825 people have so far been arrested.