After becoming the first Canadian Team to win NBA membership in June, the Raptors made history once again by selling branded hijabs, the headscarf worn by many Muslim women. The hijab starred Raptors claw on one side and a Nike swoosh on the other which they revealed in their promotional video on Twitter. This will give inspiration to Muslim women to come to the forefront and participate in basketball in Toronto.
Liz Bucar, a professor of Religion at Northeastern University, says,” It’s not an innovation on design, but it is significant that a major sports apparel company now has a swoosh on the side of a hijab.”
The new hijab became the hallmark of the efforts made by the apparel company to create clothing for different cultures and lifestyles.
Liz Bucar says, “When you think of the bigger picture, a lot of apparel companies are starting to pay attention to the consumers who want to buy these things.”
This step was taken in the right direction for multiculturalism and diversity in Toronto. However, in 2017, the rule changed forhead coverings, including the hijab and Jewish yarmulkes which were forbidden by the International Basketball Federation(FIBA) due to safety measures during game play.
However, with the idea to accept and sell hijabs which was initiated by Raptors, it also focuses on tolerance and diversity. Although it’s not yet clear whether other federations will follow this or not, the acceptance and initiation has appealed to Raptors global fan bases. This will definitely motivate many teenage girls who are bound in this constraint and couldn’t pursue playing. It’s a substantial time for a major Canadian sport to come out and support Muslim women.
Shweta Tripathi