Kashmiri Volleyball Player Calls Hijab ‘Our Freedom, Not A Restriction’
The 72nd Senior National Volleyball Tournament is set to begin today, January 4, in Varanasi, and the women’s team from Jammu and Kashmir has already drawn attention, not for controversy, but for confidence, courage and clarity. Six players from the team will step onto the court wearing hijab, proudly calling it their freedom and identity.
Speaking to the Dainik Bhaskar team during practice at Sigra Stadium, the players stated that they have never faced any restrictions or pressure regarding the hijab while playing. Instead, they have received constant support from their families, coaches and teammates.
The Jammu-Kashmir women’s squad has 14 players, with varying experience levels ranging from two to six years. For them, the focus is simple: play good volleyball and enjoy the sport.
Sadaf Manzoor, an attacker for the Jammu-Kashmir team, clearly expressed her thoughts. She said, "Hijab is our freedom. Wearing it helps us perform better while playing. No one has ever stopped us and with full support from home, we have reached here from Kashmir to Varanasi. No one should think how we will play with hijab. This is our freedom, not a restriction."
Sadaf has been playing volleyball for two years and said that nobody has ever asked her to remove the hijab before entering the court. She further added, "When we play wearing hijab, it's not a restriction but rather our freedom, our choice. It's been 2 years since I joined this sport and nobody has ever told me to enter the court without wearing hijab. Or that hijab is not allowed on court."
Sadaf also had a strong message for today’s youth. She said, "The youth who are today entangled in mobile phones, drugs and bad things. They should come to sports. This will build their career and they will always stay happy and be able to do something for their family."
Talking about Kashmir, she added, "Speaking about Kashmir, she said everything has been normal since we gained consciousness, there are no problems."
She also shared her excitement about visiting Uttar Pradesh:
"This is our first time coming to UP. Kashi is the Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency. We will also tour here. Have read a lot about Banaras's name,” she said on U.P. and Varanasi.
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Shafia, another player from Srinagar, has been playing volleyball for six years and is participating in her second national tournament.
"Family members put the hijab on since childhood but it never became a cause of difficulty for us, rather it gives us a sense of freedom. We are very comfortable wearing it."
Ayat, also from Srinagar, said, "Hijab is our identity. We will give our best while wearing it." She added, "What's the problem, this is our identity. This is how we are known."
Team captain Ishima Verma, who has represented the state for eight years, fully supported her teammates, said, "When they don't have any problem playing like this, how can we have any issue. It feels good."
District Volleyball Association President Abhimanyu Singh confirmed that hijab is allowed under tournament rules. He said, "The competition is being held according to international standards. Wearing hijab is permitted in this."
He further added, "Discussion should be about their game, not hijab."
The six Jammu-Kashmir players who will compete wearing hijab are Sadaf Manzoor, Shafia, Ayat, Niggat, Nuzhat and Nusrat.
As the tournament begins in Varanasi, the Jammu-Kashmir women’s team carries not just hopes of victory, but also a powerful message, sport is about skill, confidence and freedom, not labels.
Source: bhaskarenglish.in
