At 13, Zeina Nassar sat her parents down in their Berlin home with a stack of notes and a plan. After watching YouTube clips of female fighters, she felt drawn to the rhythm of the pads and the power of each punch. To convince her family, she argued boxing would help her focus at school, she would train in an all-girls gym, and the sport taught discipline. They agreed — but the bigger battles were still ahead.
Told to Choose Between Faith and Sport
Born in Germany to Lebanese parents, Nassar wore her hijab proudly. But boxing rules at the time banned headscarves in competition. People told her she should choose either her hijab or the ring. She refused. She joined a local gym and pushed for change, helping Germany update its rules so she could fight in long sleeves and a headscarf. Still, early bouts were filled with stares and doubts from others.
Fighting for Rule Changes Worldwide
Her progress brought national titles, but international rules still blocked hijabs. At 19, she began campaigning to overturn the global ban. In 2019, the International Boxing Association finally allowed hijabs, and today World Boxing also permits them. Nassar says her proudest moment is knowing every amateur woman can now compete without giving up her identity.
How Pro Boxing Handles Hijabs
The professional landscape has fewer clear rules. Some organisations leave attire decisions to local commissions. Others simply have no policy on religious headwear. A few officials have raised safety concerns, but medical experts say modern sports hijabs are light and secure. Nassar points to her own experience — around 100 amateur fights without a single issue.
A Bold Debut in Pakistan
On Wednesday, Nassar will fight professionally for the first time in Lahore, a rare stage for a major boxing event but one expected to draw more than 20,000 fans. The card includes international names and is backed by the Punjab government. To Nassar, competing in an Islamic country makes the moment even more meaningful.
Roy Jones Jr in Her Corner
Her trainer for the debut will be four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr, who first met her years ago and kept mentoring her from afar. He has worked on her footwork, power and belief. Nassar aims to become a world champion within six or seven fights — and considering the barriers she has already broken, few would doubt her ambition.
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