Afghanistan's national women's soccer team will be the first ever to wear a uniform with an integrated hijab, making it more safe and comfortable than the everyday hijab for playing sports.
The design makes it easier for Afghan women to both play sports and practice their faith.
"The uniform means a lot for the national team of Afghanistan – especially for the women – because they fought to wear it and it says, 'I am a woman and I'm able to play under the flag of my country,'" said Khalida Popal, the former captain of the team.
The sports hijab is an extra long-sleeved shirt with a fitted head cover, which is worn under the jersey. The tight fit makes it more sports-friendly than the everyday hijab, which could often fall into the players' faces or could get pulled. The uniform also includes leggings to be worn underneath shorts. Both the leggings and the hijab shirt are optional, however.
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The uniform was released March 8, International Women's Day, to celebrate women in sports.
"Football was not easy for us to play, especially in a male-dominated country," said Popal. "It was not acceptable for women to play. Football is a man's game," Popal added.
The sports hijab was designed by the Danish sportswear brand Hummel, with the help of Popal. According to the former captain, she wanted the design to reflect both the strength of the Afghan character and the country's traditions and heritage.
Hummel owner Christian Stadil said the design fits with the company's strategy, which is "to change the world through sports."
References
- ^ Wearing Hijab is Passive Terrorism Says US Military to Women (www.telesurtv.net)
