Pakistan midfielder Amina Hanif who is currently representing Chesham United has opened up about her experience playing football while wearing a hijab (a headscarf).
“I used to think I stand out so badly wearing a hijab, and that lowered my confidence and distracted me from my game,” Amina told The Guardian.
She shared, initially, it was difficult for her to play with the hijab but things got better with time.
“After a while, something just clicked and I stopped caring about pretty much everything. It feels really good when nothing affects you,” she said.
Amina, who recently made her debut for Pakistan, wants to be an inspiration for young girls playing football.
“I like being different – the hijab means I stand out on the pitch more. The only challenge I have nowadays is readjusting my headscarf after heading the ball or hiding my pins from the referee before the game. I’ve been offered a Nike hijab, but I’m counting on my own becoming iconic,” she said.
“My goal was always to play at the highest level. However, I had never heard much about the Pakistan women’s team until the opportunity came along. It goes to show you never really know where life will take you.