Time to sport the hijab

Early this week, Nike unveiled its prototype design for sports hijabs with a strong and compelling campaign. It’s not a totally new concept, though it’s not surprising that it’s being launched by Nike, considering the company is known for the production of inclusive sports apparel like that of the plus-size clothing line.

With sports hijabs, Muslims all over the world are in full appreciation, and athletes and fitness enthusiasts in Hyderabad seem to be excited, too!  

Anjum Ara, a woman from the city who wears the hijab, says that such a move gives her a sense of comfort. “I am fitness conscious and I think this is a splendid move. This will help a lot of Muslim women and will encourage them to take up a sport or exercise without restricting their movements,” she says.

Najeeba Hyder, also a fitness enthusiast, agrees. She says, “I feel that there is a misconception that women who wear the hijab don’t exercise and are not into sports. I think this kind of  sportswear is busting such myths. If this sports hijab is comfortable, women can venture out and not be constrained to an all-women’s gym, which is not very easy to find.”

As reported by Boredpanda.com, the product was created with the help of weightlifter Amna Al Haddad, who visited the research lab and gave the makers an idea of breathable solution to the hijab.

Another city dweller, Yasmeen Ifteqar (name changed on request), also cites hijabi athletes and says while it is a great move, it isn’t new. “It is not like the lack of such a product has stopped women who wear hijabs from taking up sports and excelling in them. Ibtihaj Muhammad, the Muslim-American fencer is one such example". “It is just that this sportswear will save us the trouble of having to design or modify our own sports hijabs. We can now simply go to a store and pick it up. I am also a swimmer and I find the burkini very comfortable. The cap is attached to the swimsuit and we don’t have to be conscious and worry if any bit of the body is being exposed,” says Yasmeen.

“There is a brand called Friniggi, which caters to sportswear for those who wear hijabs. And I have shopped from them online. So, it is not entirely new,” says Yasmeen.

While the campaign was appreciated, and was heavily shared by people online, some aren’t sure of the difference it will make. Shazia Afroze, a law student from the city, says, “People in India are generally not as fitness conscious and I feel there are not many women who exercise regularly. Also, people who wear the hijab are not usually comfortable going to unisex gyms, despite there being a product such as this. I think it will be more useful for people who stay abroad, but not in India.”

While Farhat Naaz commends the idea of a mainstream sports brand catering to the needs of the minority, she says, “A hijab does not mean just covering the head but dressing modestly in general. A person who follows the hijab is technically not supposed to wear body-fitting clothes. While some parts of the society may embrace it, some others, who are very particular about the hijab, will not.”