Web Desk
Amina Hanif, a Pakistani midfielder currently playing for Chesham United, has shared her experience of playing football while wearing a hijab (a headscarf) and how it has impacted her confidence and journey in the sport. In an interview with The Guardian, she expressed her initial concerns and how she overcame them.
Amina revealed that wearing a hijab initially made her feel like she stood out excessively, which affected her confidence and concentration during games. However, over time, she found a shift in her mindset. Amina explained that something clicked within her, and she stopped worrying about external factors, allowing her to focus solely on her game. She described the liberating feeling of being unaffected by external opinions.
As a proud hijab-wearing athlete, Amina appreciates the uniqueness it brings to her presence on the pitch. She believes that her hijab makes her stand out and sees it as a positive aspect of her identity. Amina faces challenges such as readjusting her headscarf after heading the ball or ensuring her pins are properly hidden from the referee before each game. Although she has been offered a Nike hijab, she hopes to establish her own hijab as an iconic symbol.
Amina’s aspirations extend beyond her personal journey in football. She aims to inspire young girls who are passionate about the sport, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and showing them that being different can be a source of strength. Amina acknowledged that the Pakistani community in the United Kingdom often faces limited recognition in various sports. By representing the national team, she hopes to inspire girls in both Pakistan and the UK to participate in sports and follow their passions.
She also emphasized the untapped potential in Pakistan’s talent pool. Amina believes that Pakistan, with its vast population, possesses considerable talent in football among both boys and girls. However, she expressed disappointment in the lack of a proper football system and scouting infrastructure in the country. Amina’s ambition is to bring success to the national team, in turn, motivating other girls to invest their time and effort in pursuing their dreams of playing football.
Amina Hanif’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of representation in sports. Her journey as a hijab-wearing footballer not only highlights her personal growth but also aims to pave the way for the future generation of female athletes in Pakistan and beyond.
