They were so far excluded from international competitions: part a veiled boxer as Amaiya Zafar. In a DW Interview, the Amateur athlete, what is the new dress code, the AIBA means for you is explained.
The International Boxing Association, AIBA has changed fights his dress code for Women. At the request of the German Federation may fight in the future is also part of a veiled female boxers on the international scene titles, or Olympic medals. Also Amaiya Zafar, an 18-year-old boxer from Minnesota in the USA benefits. For five years she has in this Sport, she is wearing a hijab. For this reason, she was not allowed to participate in the qualification for the 2020 Olympic games. Thanks to the rule change, your goal is now: the Olympics in 2024.
DW: How did you react to the rule change of the AIBA regarding the dress code?
Zafar: I’m incredibly happy. I have not believed that it would come to this. I’ve always trained as if it would happen one day. But I was always told that this will not happen. So I prayed always for that.
As it was now, so far, I did not learn it from the AIBA. Someone has me tagged in Instagram and congratulated me. I didn’t understand why. So I asked my Trainer and have confirmed then. I’m just very happy.
DW: What does this mean for your career?
It means that I can finally show the skills that I’ve worked on over the years. I can prove myself finally. People know who I am. But you bring my name only in connection with the fight, I opt outside of the ring: Because, I think, is continue to press for this, what I believe in. You don’t know my abilities and I want to show you now. I am very excited to now have the Chance to prove myself not only as an activist but as a fighter.
The International League for women’s rights (ILWR), one of the French feminists-initiated group, has called for banning the hijab at the Olympic Games in 2024, so that women can be free from religious restrictions to competition. You have the feeling that your hijab is limiting you?
No. And if you work for women’s rights, don’t understand I why you me the right want to take me to show and to hide what I would like to hide. That makes no sense. It is a personal decision, whether I want to wear a hijab or not. A hijab-ban strengthens anyone. It takes me only to my right of me and see how I like it.
It is 100 percent a personal decision. I wear a hijab, because I’ve decided. There are situations were, to say where people are to me, ‘You can take it off if You want.’ My parents never pushed in one direction or the other. I know that in some regions of the world, people this is not a decision for themselves must meet. But for me, it is 100 per cent my own decision.
Zafar: “The hijab has no impact on my performance”
Affects of the hijab in the Boxing ring?
No. It has no effect on my performance, neither positive nor negative. It is as if you are wearing a hat. There is nothing for me, except not change is that I’m cold when I’m outside in the Winter -.
They are discriminated against – whether from competitors, spectators or officials – because of what you wear during the Boxing match?
Of course there are people who comment – but online. Hardly anyone says it to my face. People are cowards and do not dare to say to me personally. But so far, neither a boxer nor a public official from the sport of Boxing has ever said something to me. You do not treat me different because I wear a hijab. Of course, there are ignorant people, but I’m trying to educate you and to make more.
The hijab was a safety risk – so the Boxing Commission of the United States has argued before: the hijab, or Full face veil, existing, or during a fight resulting injury could hide.
The excuses are. I know Doctors, boxers, trainers – all different, qualified people – which is not to say that this argument is conclusive. If I am in pain, I say that I’m in pain. Women in Full face veil to play football and there are no concerns. There is a doctor during a battle and before me, during, or after a fight examine. The Argument is not simple.
Amaiya Zafar began as a 13-Year-old with the boxes. In April 2017, she has to compete to be the first Muslim, which has received from the Boxing Commission of the United States with a derogation, with a hijab. In 2018 they won the national title in the fly weight and the Ringside world championship title, the biggest Amateurbox tournament in the world.
The Interview Davis Van Opdorp.