Many women choose to wear the hijab and get empowerment from it.” As for the belief that hijab can impede performance on the field or cause injury, Abufazl believes otherwise.

The Nike Pro Hijab, which will be available in stores in spring 2018, is the result of “an ongoing cultural shift that has seen more women than ever embracing sport,” Nike said in a statement.

So, in 2013, she started World Hijab Day – a day for both Muslim and non-Muslim women to experience wearing a headscarf. Celebrated on Feb. 1, the day is an expression of solidarity and support ...