As 3-on-3 basketball marks its Olympic debut in Tokyo, referee Sarah Gamal will make history as the first Arab and African women to officiate at the Games. Gamal stands tall among the high-flying male players at Alexandria United Club, a powerhouse in Egyptian basketball, wearing a black veil adorned with a sports company's logo.

“I haven't heard a single critical remark or seen any challenges as a veiled woman since I began working as a referee. The veil is natural for me and causes no problems,” the 32-year-old added.

In 2017, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) modified its guidelines to permit players to wear the hijab (veil) under certain circumstances. Before the style was introduced to the Tokyo Olympic program in 2017, FIBA adopted the 3 on 3 rivalries common on public courts around the world to bring a younger international fan base. In contrast to the conventional end-to-end full-court play in the five-on-five series, games are played on a half-court with one basket. To prevail, a player must first score 21 points or outscore their rivals over two 10-minute halves.

Gamal has more than enough experience leading the way for young female referees and players, including at the FIBA World Youth Cup in Belarus in 2018 and the African Women's Championship in 2017.

“The veil hasn't interfered with my refereeing in any match so far, and to prove it, I'm able to take on the Tokyo Olympics,” she added. “My thoughts are on planning and proper readiness for this critical event.” She is not scared of officiating male players on hardwood courts because she works as a civil engineer in a male-dominated sector in Alexandria.

“I have previously refereed men's games and have had a lot of experience directing them, which has earned me the confidence of Egypt's refereeing board. It's nothing out of ordinary for me.”

Gamal was in love with the game when she was five years old, after seeing her older sister play it.

“I began hooping when I was five years old. That made it easier for me to balance my time between learning and practicing. It's all due to my mum, who kept things running smoothly before I got to university and pursued civil engineering,” she said.

“It was challenging, particularly because it is an area that takes a lot of studying and mental effort,” she said. She is excited to demonstrate her abilities and expertise at the Olympics.

“The news of my pick hasn't worn off on my family. It's a wonderful reward for all of the blood, sweat, and tears I've had to endure in recent years,” Gamal said.

She began as a player and transitioned to refereeing at the age of 16 "because I had a great love for a better knowledge of the rules."

“My family has been awesome and supportive,” she said. “Being the first Arab and African women to referee three-on-three games at the Olympics is a plus. “I am not under any pressure, and I am assured that this move will open the path for other Arab and African woman referees,” she said.

She emphasized that her family is content with her traveling during a global pandemic as long as she takes precautions.

“My family is a little concerned when I go but that hasn't dampened their wholehearted support for me,” Gamal said.

Gamal has her sights set on her next targets as she prepares to take the court in Tokyo. “I want to compete in both the men's and women's World Cups and retain the confidence that the international body has placed in me.”