During the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Egyptian volleyball duo of Nada Meawad and Doaa Elghobashy has unraveled certain sophistication in their outlooks. Although bikini is the choice outfit for such sport, it may be weird to view the girls donning on long-sleeved shirts and leggings. In addition to Meawad choosing to expose her hair, the approach is in fact a big turnaround from long-standing traditions among Muslim ladies. However, Elghobashy prefers to retain a part of their heritage by still wearing the hijab.
The Egyptian volleyball team's projection has not been lost on popular sports gear manufacturer Nike. In fact, the American firm is cashing on one Muslim traditional piece. In 2018, the Nike Pro Hijab will be released in the market.
The Oregon-based company's initiative is an instant hit. Among those spearheading the campaign are three athletes from the United Arab Emirates. Weightlifter Amna Al-Haddad, figure skater Zahra Lari and triathlete Manal Rostom have shown that the Nike Pro Hijab can be an essential sport accessory.
The truth is this is not the first time that the hijab has been bannered as an essential piece among Muslim lady athletes. During the 2004 Athens Olympics, Ruqaya Al-Ghasara of Bahrain has been wearing the hijab while competing in the 100-meter dash contests.
Although Nike has made a tremendous leap in promoting the Pro Hijab, not all are pleased with the organization's approach. According to Mara Gubuan, who co-founded the pro-Muslim women in sports and non-profit firm Shirzanan, Nike's interest has catapulted it as an inventor of the stuff which is actually false.
It should be noted that the hijab has long been marketed through the years. Capsters, for instance, have been in the horizon since 2001. ResportOn has introduced a scarf style that resulted in the inclusion of Muslim women in sanctioned international taekwondo tournaments. By submitting clothing designs, both companies have been instrumental in lifting the hijab ban in 2014.
The Nike Pro Hijab will be introducing three colors when the product hits the market. Dutch designer Cindy van den Bremen is the primary person who transitioned the religious piece into a sportswear.
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