You might be finding it difficult to relate the term hijab with sports. But Muslim women who have to wear a head covering as per their tradition are either forced to disobey their custom and remove the head covering or not participate in the sport at all. It is not that the sports federations have put a specific ban on the hijab but in general, any type of traditional headgear is banned in most sports. So automatically, not only the Muslims but also the Jewish and the Sikh athletes who are supposed to keep their head covered to observe their faith in their religion are not able to participate in such sports. In 2011, an Iranian women’s team had to withdraw their name from an Olympic game as a protest of being not allowed to wear headscarves. Hijabs practically doesn’t cause any difficulties in the competition, but they are somehow not considered safe while playing. You can easily pick any of the simple hijabs from our collection and use it as sportswear.
Hijab – Officially allowed by FIFA
FIFA has officially allowed the players to wear head coverings which can be anything including hijabs, while playing football, as a mark of respect for their religion. The rule was passed after a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) was held in Zurich. The football governing body FIFA accepts that wearing headscarves while playing football is risky and can even lead to injury to the neck and head. But as a request from the Asian Football Confederation, the IFAB, they have allowed the players based on a trail method where their safety factor would be tested.
Contribution of Nike
Nike realized the importance of this modest clothing piece for these communities and just two days prior to the International Women’s Day in December 2017, they came up with a new product, the Pro Hijab. Being one of the most influential sports brand worldwide, it triggered a lot of controversies. Their performance hijab also bagged a nomination in the Beazley Designs of the Year. The head cover they introduced was a single piece item which is quite similar to a hoodie and it is made of cotton. As per the women athletes, this move made by Nike proved to be a great support for them who actively wanted to participate in sports in the national and international level. Though Nike was not the first brand to have introduced a sports hijab, being a big name it helped a lot in supporting the fact that every individual has equal right to participate in the sports activity and at the same time pay respect to their religion.