Kulsoom Abdullah [Republika Image]

Kulsoom Abdullah Weightlifting Athlete Success Muslim Fighting For Hijab

Kulsoom Abdullah is a weight lifter who loved this sport. But until last year, although it has been competing for years, he has never reached the national level competitions in the United States.

Because the clothes he wore always cover the head, hands and feet. While the International Weightlifting Federation requires participants to wear sleeveless shirts and tight shorts so the jury can see clearly the techniques used.

"Conditions were so affected me mentally," said Abdullah. "When the weightlifting competition, we certainly try to reach the next stage. We must have a strong desire and confidence. I'm disappointed, but I still have to do my best."



When Kulsoom entered the stage of U.S. Open qualifying competition last year, he did not obtain permission to play, again because of her costume. He then contacted contacting the National Institute of Sports Weightlifting, USA Weightlifting, to find a solution.

"I wrote a letter, stating my situation, about how I got involved in weightlifting and a desire to discuss my costume, so do not take advantage compared to other participants, but can still cover parts of the body. But they refused my request to make modifications because they are governed by International Weightlifting Federation, "said Abdullah.

But his efforts did not stop there. He then contacted Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which then engage with the United States Olympic Committee so that they could represent Abdullah in a meeting of the International Weightlifting Federation in Malaysia.

"Soon after their announcement, reporters began calling them and me. I felt 'Wow, this is a big surprise!" When I read the news on the internet, I had to think twice. But I decided to keep trying, "said Abdullah.

And that's what he kept doing, trying. He prepared a very detailed presentation to the meeting. The presentation contains the requirements of his religion and how these requirements can be reconciled with the requirements of weightlifters without compromise or exploit the situation to cheat.

Just two after days, the Federation changed their rules. "The new rules set by the Federation to allow athletes to wear a costume that covers the entire body, and called a unitard. This costume can cover the elbows and knees that were not previously allowed because the technique will look at that section when the participants lifted the iron," said John Duff of USA Weightlifting.

Hooper of CAIR is dealing with cases like this every day, do not judge this decision only applies to weightlifting. "We often hear that Muslim women should be supported and we approve it, and support them to be weight lifters is a very good way. I think there is the implied message to the Muslim women and girls around the world that women can participate in anything, including in sports, while still maintaining the principles of Islamic religion, "he explained.

In his first national championship, Abdullah dream come true. Despite the tense admitted he was delighted to reach the fifth of six competitors in the 48 kilogram class. "I was very relieved when it was over but I have now all the spirit of 'Cool, I've got the experience'" he said.

Another competitor, Suzanne Sanches, who won the second prize, supported the new regulations by the Federation. "I think these new rules will support the international competition. I think there are only 80 countries that have women's weightlifting team. Among others, there is only one Muslim special teams, namely Egypt," he said.

Kulsoom Abdullah may not be won Olympic medals. But, for Pakistan-blooded American woman, the pride lies in the success of the passing changes to the future of Muslim women weight lifters.
Source : Republika