Hijab in sports? No problem, says Malaysian sepak takraw player

Thailand’s Pawinee Bunjarern (center) tries to pass a ball as Indonesia players try to stop her during the women’s handball preliminary Group B match between Indonesia and Thailand at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on Aug. 16. A good number of athletes participating in the Games wearing hijab. (AFP/Punit Paranjpe)

Siti Noor Suhaida Jafri of Malaysia, who is in Indonesia to play for her country’s sepak takraw team at the Asian Games, said she was not too bothered about having to observe Idul Adha, also known as the Day of Sacrifice, far from her family.

“I am here also to fight for my country, along my teammates and other athletes as well. I will be fine celebrating Idul Adha far from my family this year,” Suhaida, who wears a hijab, told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

She went on to say that she and other team members planned to perform their Idul Adha prayers in Palembang, South Sumatra.

When asked whether wearing a hijab caused her any discomfort on the court, Suhaida explained that the Muslim headwear didn’t put her at a disadvantage.

“I always been able to deliver my utmost skill as an athlete in my particular outfit. I enjoy wearing the hijab,” she said.

Malaysia is among the biggest names in sepak takraw. Suhaida’s team won silver at the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur last year and bronze at the previous SEA Games in Singapore.