Berlin-born bantamweight Zeina Nassar is set to make history when she makes her professional boxing debut in Pakistan, wearing her hijab and full-body covering. At 27, Nassar has spent over a decade fighting not just opponents in the ring but also outdated regulations that restricted hijab-wearing women from participating in competitive boxing.

The Young Dreamer Who Loved Boxing

Nassar’s journey began at just 13 years old. Sitting in her Berlin living room, she prepared a full PowerPoint presentation to convince her parents that boxing was the right sport for her. Inspired by YouTube videos of female fighters, she was captivated by the rhythm of the punches, the discipline, and the empowerment boxing offered.

“I watched it again and again,” she told BBC Sport. “I knew this is what I want to do.”

Her pitch to her parents emphasized discipline, concentration, and respect, alongside practical solutions such as attending an all-girls gym nearby. While her parents were eventually persuaded, the real challenge lay outside her home.

Fighting for the Right to Wear a Hijab

As a Muslim teenager proudly wearing a hijab, Nassar quickly encountered barriers. National and international boxing regulations prohibited headscarves in competitions. Coaches, officials, and regulators told her she had to choose: her sport or her hijab.

“I thought, why should I decide?” she says. “I’m not hurting anyone. I just want to box.”

Determined to challenge injustice, Nassar became a pioneer. At 14, she successfully campaigned to change German amateur boxing regulations, allowing athletes to wear long sleeves and headscarves. Her debut amateur fight, however, brought scrutiny and resistance from skeptics.

“I noticed so many people were looking,” she recalls. “Some even told me I couldn’t fight like this, and I said ‘please, we just changed the rules.’”

Her determination paid off. Nassar excelled in the ring, becoming a multiple Berlin champion and national title-holder, all while staying true to her religious beliefs.

Changing International Boxing Rules

Nassar’s fight wasn’t limited to Germany. When she was invited to compete in the European Championships, she faced the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) ban on hijabs. At 19, she began an international campaign to allow Muslim women to box while wearing hijabs.

Her efforts bore fruit in 2019 when the IBA officially lifted the ban, allowing women to compete internationally while wearing headscarves and full-body coverings. “Because of me, every woman in amateur boxing can now fight with a hijab and be who they want to be,” Nassar says. “That’s my proudest victory.”

Hijabs in Professional Boxing

Nassar’s advocacy drew attention from major brands, including Nike, which featured her in their hijab sportswear campaigns. But questions remained for the professional arena: could a hijab be worn safely, and would it be allowed?

Professional boxing organizations such as the WBO and IBF generally leave attire decisions to local commissions, while the British Boxing Board of Control allows sports-designed hijabs. Experts confirm safety, noting that lightweight, breathable fabrics pose no threat to athletes or opponents.

Making History in Pakistan

Nassar’s professional debut takes place in Lahore, Pakistan, at a four-day event expected to attract over 20,000 fans. This landmark fight is backed by the Punjab government and features a mix of local and international fighters, including British champions Alex Dilmaghani, Jimmy Kelly, and James Metcalf.

“I feel honored to be fighting in an Islamic country,” Nassar says. Chris Glover, the organizer, adds: “Boxing’s for everyone. Zeina is a pioneer. If she wants to wear a hijab, she should.”

Adding star power to her corner is boxing legend Roy Jones Jr., who serves as her coach and mentor. Nassar first met him at an IBA event years ago, and their ongoing mentorship has honed her skills, footwork, and confidence.

Aiming for the Top

Despite obstacles and skepticism, Nassar has set her sights high. Within just six or seven professional bouts, she aims to become a world champion. With her record of breaking barriers and challenging the status quo, few would bet against her.

Why Zeina Nassar is a Role Model

Zeina Nassar’s story is not just about boxing. It’s about perseverance, faith, and the power of challenging societal norms. By fighting for her right to wear a hijab in sports, she has opened doors for countless Muslim women around the world. Her journey is an inspiration for anyone facing discrimination or restrictive rules in pursuing their dreams.