When Nike first revealed back in March that they would be launching a hijab designed to be worn specifically for sport, it was kind of a game changer.
The first major sportswear brand to acknowledge the gap in the market for Muslim women wanting to compete in sports without sacrificing their modest dress code, Nike were a step ahead of everyone else. Our thoughts? It's about time!
A great step forward for female Muslim athletes yes, but nevertheless an overdue one.
Which is why, today we're seriously excited to reveal that you can finally get your hands on the Nike Pro Hijab. Softer and more light weight than a traditional hijab, the Pro is available in a range of head sizes and face shapes (rather than being adjustable which would make the whole thing heavier) which means no matter what you look like, or what dress code you adhere to, you can embrace being a female athlete without sacrificing your values or feeling straight up uncomfortable.
We caught up with three-time Berlin boxing champion and Nike Pro HIjab campaign star Zeina Massar to discuss her own career as a Muslim woman in sport and why this launch is so important to female athletes everywhere...
How did you get into boxing?
Zeina: I've been boxing for almost seven years now. I randomly came across some YouTube videos showing women who boxed, which totally inspired me. At first I thought that boxing was way too dangerous and only for men, but then I saw women boxing so I started doing it. These women inspired me and that's why I just wanted to give it a try. I was already in a basketball team and wanted something where I had to show my own individual strength.
Was it challenging being accepted as a female boxer?
Z: People thought I wasn't capable of being a good boxer, not only because I'm a woman, but because I'm wearing a headscarf too. I had to prove myself a lot more, especially towards men and show that women can fight as well. It was a challenge for me to show strength and prove myself.
I lost my first fight and afterwards I was tempted to quit because I was so convinced that I would win, and I didn't. After the fight, however, loads of people approached me and encouraged me, asking for pictures with me because they thought my boxing style was really interesting. That's when I realised that it's not just about winning, but accepting defeats, training harder and using them as an incentive. Two years later, after a lot of training, I boxed against the same opponent again and won.
Were you worried about being one of the first females to compete in a hijab?
Z: My hijab is important to me during sport but also outside of it so I mainly focused on the sport itself - I didn't even know you couldn't box with a headscarf on. I started to get messages and letters from people all over the world who felt motivated and encouraged by me, and it showed me that I actually made a difference. That got me thinking that I can be a role model for other women. I'm constantly inspired by women who are facing and fighting their own challenges in life.
Do you think attitudes are changing in regards to women in sport wearing a hijab?
Z: I know that, yes! Things will definitely change with the Nike Pro Hijab.
The Nike Pro Hijab is available in Black and Obsidian (with other colour ways including white and grey launching in January) for £24.95 on nike.com and in select Nike retailers.
