Berlin-based Zeina Nassar, who will be the first Muslim woman to enter the boxing ring wearing a hijab in Olympics after the International Box Federation (IBF) changed its rules, has become an inspiration for many.
Big social media followin
"My boxing style is traditional, but I'm superfast…this is my strength. " This is what she has to say to her millions of fans on social media. She has over 1 million followers on Instagram.
She will be the first woman boxer with hijab in the boxing ring of the Tokyo Olympics and Paris Games, 2024. According to the new rule of the IBF, women boxers can now participate in international boxing wearing hijabs.
Two coaches help her practice
Earlier this exemption was only for karate competitions. With the new rules, Jenna is excited and practicing hard for the featherweight category. Two coaches help her practice six days a week and twice daily.
Other than boxing studying Sociology
Other than boxing she is also pursuing a degree in Sociology from Potsdam University and lives in Krausberg, Berlin. She has been fond of boxing since childhood. She first took part in amateur bouts, later mastered the sport. Her boxing journey is full of achievements.
An achiever
She is a top-ranking boxer and Germany. The German Boxing Federation had long ago changed the rules to allow women to box in the hijab initiative. Jenna Nassar has represented her country in the European Under-22 Championships. "Sports associations should set rules based on the performance of the players, not the dress,” she believes.
Annie Sugier, president of the International Women's Rights League, agrees with Nassar. She says, there is a need to change the rules of all sports associations. Some of her achievements are that she has won the Berlin Championships title, won 2018 German Championships, 18 times won in 24 official fights.
Her parents are originally from Lebanon; she also speaks good Arabic along with German. Sports goods company Nike has made her its brand ambassador.
