AthleticsIn the world of athletics there are numerous rules and regulations that are there specifically to ensure the protection of all competing athletes. However, one particular set of rules has had a history of hindering female athletes, specifically Muslims, from competing in their sports and at the same time upholding their religious beliefs. That rule is the dress code that all athletes must abide by.
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Muslim women often wear hijabs, which is a veil that covers the majority of their heads. Women wearing hijabs have their hair and necks covered, and by choice can have even a portion of their faces covered. They do so in order to uphold their religious beliefs and as stated in the Koran to dress modestly. For better insight on the hijab refer to this website to get a more analytical in-depth explanation click here.
However female athletes were required to follow a single dress code regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. This cause many issues as Muslim female athletes were not willing to compromise their beliefs just how throughout history Muslims have shown their immense dedication to their religion by showing an unwillingness to change.
Leading up to the 2012 Olympics however new sports hijabs were introduced which allowed female athletes to not only compete for their countries but also allowed them to do so in a manner that did not clash with their religious beliefs.
Fifa was one of the most notable organizations to accept this new form of hijab as appropriate attire for completion. Previously in 2007 there was a strict rule enforced that women cannot cover their heads and compete. Although this rule was overturned in 2012 it was not done in time for the Female Iranian soccer team to compete in the Olympic qualifying match. Although the Iranian soccer fanatics were disappointed that their team could not compete, people all around the world cheered as this now meant Muslim female athletes will be able to compete in the future.
However female athletes were required to follow a single dress code regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. This cause many issues as Muslim female athletes were not willing to compromise their beliefs just how throughout history Muslims have shown their immense dedication to their religion by showing an unwillingness to change.
Leading up to the 2012 Olympics however new sports hijabs were introduced which allowed female athletes to not only compete for their countries but also allowed them to do so in a manner that did not clash with their religious beliefs.
Fifa was one of the most notable organizations to accept this new form of hijab as appropriate attire for completion. Previously in 2007 there was a strict rule enforced that women cannot cover their heads and compete. Although this rule was overturned in 2012 it was not done in time for the Female Iranian soccer team to compete in the Olympic qualifying match. Although the Iranian soccer fanatics were disappointed that their team could not compete, people all around the world cheered as this now meant Muslim female athletes will be able to compete in the future.
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Other Olympic sports such as sprinting, weight lifting, fencing, and more have all allowed their athletes to compete while wearing sports hijabs. These Muslim athletes believe that it is important that these new dress codes have been accepted. There are many females in Middle Eastern countries that have talent and the ability to be successful in sports, and now that they may do so while wearing hijabs they are able to support both their countries and their religion.
No doubt this ability for female Muslims it compete while being able to wear their religious attire is a break through for all Muslims. It gives hope to future athletes that want to compete as it shows that they don’t need to change who they are to do what they love. |
sources:
http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/08/08/for-female-muslim-olympians-progress-slow/QB7Pcgpuu7hcPmwB3bzAXL/story.html,
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/the-womens-blog-with-jane-martinson/2012/jul/23/sports-hijabs-muslim-women-olympics,
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/sexandgender/152/17_reasons_why_women_wear_headscarves
http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/08/08/for-female-muslim-olympians-progress-slow/QB7Pcgpuu7hcPmwB3bzAXL/story.html,
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/the-womens-blog-with-jane-martinson/2012/jul/23/sports-hijabs-muslim-women-olympics,
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/sexandgender/152/17_reasons_why_women_wear_headscarves