The Danish sports clothing company Hummel has launched the new jersey and accompanying hijab for Afghanistan’s football team.
The Aarhus-based company said that the integrated hijab jersey is in honour of International Women’s Day and will give Afghan women better conditions to play football.
“For a country like Afghanistan, wearing the national jersey is a form of power and a tool that gives women confidence,” said Khalida Popal, the former captain of Afghanistan’s women’s team who is one of her nation’s most influential women.
“Football gave me an identity and I am the person I am because of football. It hurts when I am not in my country, but I am happy because I can still do my job and because I never gave up. And that’s important since no-one should give up on their dreams if they can feel they are doing the right thing.”
READ MORE: Crowdfunding helps historic story about Tibetan football team come to life
Change through sport
Popal played over 20 games for Afghanistan before fleeing the nation due to safety issues.
Hummel said that sponsoring the Afghan national team is part of the company’s mantra to change the world through sport.
“The female Afghan footballers’ courage represents a symbol for hope for women across the world and illustrates their strength and will to fight against overwhelming opposition.
