Oman’s tennis star Fatma backs Nike hijab sportswear

Muscat: Oman’s popular tennis sensation, Fatma Al Nabhani, has backed the new line of hijab sportswear announced by Nike, a US-based international sports brand.
In a statement to Times of Oman, Al Nabhani said, “It’s a huge and an amazing move from Nike, and it will encourage Muslim women to take up sports, not only for fun, but professionally as well. I am proud of it and proud to be a Nike athlete.”
Al Nabhani is the most-admired female athlete in Oman and an internationally renowned tennis player.
Nike Pro Hijab
In an upcoming line of workout clothes for women, Nike is introducing a performance hijab to better-serve Muslim female athletes — the Nike Pro Hijab.
This makes the company the first major sportswear brand to manufacture a performance hijab.
The custom-designed hijab sportswear was designed so that Muslim women who want to cover their heads can still work out.
Rahma, an 18-year-old basketball player in Oman, stated, “I think it’s a great idea to launch the hijab sportswear, and I am so happy this was introduced. Normally, the girls and I wear our sports gear, and then wear a headscarf over the outfit, but I am excited to try this new Nike product. “I feel more involved and accepted by the sporting world after seeing this.”
Although many women across the globe are happy about the launch, the sports company has seen some backlash, too, with some going to the extent of saying that they were never going to buy a Nike product again.
Others have criticised the brand on social media for launching what they call a Muslim-only product, saying all Nike cares about is making money.
An advert showing Arab women playing sports was recently released by Nike, showcasing the new sportswear.
Zahra Lari, the United Arab Emirates’ first international figure skater, who was involved with Nike’s campaign, mentioned on Instagram that she was “super excited” to be involved in Nike’s campaign and is already wearing the hijab on the ice.
Very happy
Ashwaq Al Shaqsi, a former Taekwondo competitor in Oman, remarked she was happy about the new launch by Nike, “It is good that they thought of the hijabis and thought of doing something special and convenient for them, as sportswear can sometimes hold hijabis back, so I am very happy about it.”