Zeina Nassar’s Boxing Journey
At just 13 years old, Zeina Nassar initiated her boxing journey with a convincing presentation to her parents in their Berlin home. Inspired by female boxers she discovered through YouTube, the young enthusiastic athlete felt an immediate affinity for the sport’s rhythm and intensity.
“I watched it repeatedly and was certain that boxing was what I’d pursue,”
she recounted in an interview with BBC Sport, now at 27 years old.
Overcoming Societal Challenges
Nassar passionately argued her case before her parents, explaining how boxing could enhance her academic focus, her intention to train at a nearby all-girls gym, and the values of respect and discipline the sport encompasses. While this initial persuading was relatively smooth, the real test lay in the broader societal challenges she would soon face.
Being a Muslim girl of Lebanese heritage, Nassar cherished her cultural identity, proudly donning a hijab. However, she quickly realized that policies within the sport could hinder her from fully participating. Upon joining a boxing club, she encountered regulations at both national and international levels that barred her from competing while wearing a hijab.
“I was told to choose between my hijab and my passion for boxing,”
she stated.
“But I questioned why I needed to make that decision. I only wanted to box without harming anyone.”
This commitment to combat inequity began shaping her path.
Professional Debut and Advocacy
Nassar’s professional debut is set to take place in Pakistan, where she plans to compete adorned in her hijab and full-body attire—a notable milestone as she may become the first woman in professional boxing to do so. Accompanying her in this significant moment is none other than boxing icon Roy Jones Jr., who serves as her mentor. For a young woman who began her journey with simple hopes and aspirations, this opportunity symbolizes a monumental leap forward in boxing’s inclusivity.
Her journey wasn’t without hurdles. At age 14, she was instrumental in modifying German amateur boxing rules, allowing her to compete in a hijab and long sleeves. Yet the hard-won victory felt bittersweet when she stepped into the ring for the first time, sensing the scrutiny of many who doubted her legitimacy.
“The crowd was watching me closely. Some questioned my right to fight, but I reminded them: we had just changed the rules!”
Achievements and Recognition
With a notable amateur record of 18 wins and 22 losses, Nassar’s performance earned her multiple titles, including the Berlin champion and national recognition. However, barriers resurfaced when the International Boxing Association (IBA) invited her to the European Championships only to inform her that hijabs were still prohibited in international competitions. Undeterred, she began advocating for change on a larger scale, supported by her ambition to secure equal treatment for athletes regardless of their appearance.
In 2019, her persistence bore fruit when the IBA lifted the hijab ban, with Olympic boxing now governed by organizations that permit athletes to wear hijabs.
“I take pride in knowing that my advocacy has allowed countless women in amateur boxing to fight with their hijabs,”
Nassar expressed.
Nassar subsequently gained recognition from Nike, becoming a representative for the brand’s new hijab line for female athletes. Despite varying regulations within professional boxing organizations, including the World Boxing Organization and the British Boxing Board of Control’s endorsement of hijabs, concerns regarding safety and practicality have been voiced. Nassar contends that her extensive experience has proven these concerns unfounded, and medical professionals concur that the lightweight fabric poses no risk.
Looking Ahead
As she prepares for her valiant return to the sport, Nassar will square off against Thai fighter Kanokwan Wirunpat in Lahore. The boxing event, expected to draw over 20,000 spectators, will showcase both local and international talent, further establishing Pakistan as a special host for this global sporting occasion. Chris Glover, the event organizer, emphasized the inclusivity of the sport:
“If Zeina wishes to wear a hijab, it’s her choice—her pioneering spirit sets a precedent for the future.”
With aspirations of rising to world champion status in just a handful of matches, Nassar’s formidable spirit and resilience are likely to serve her well as she embarks on this next chapter of her boxing career. In a sport that continues to evolve, her story is one of perseverance, respect, and an unwavering commitment to identity.
