RUQAYA BUKTIKAN ISLAM BOLEH!!!

DOHA, Qatar (AP) - Bahrain sprinter Ruqaya Al Ghasara says she isn't held back by running in a hijab, or full Muslim headscarf. In fact, she says, it makes her even quicker.

"Wearing traditional Muslim dress has encouraged me. It's not an obstacle - quite the opposite," said Al Ghasara, who won the gold medal in the 200-metres Monday night in 23.19 seconds.

The bronze medal winner earlier in the 100, Al Ghasara is instantly recognizable in her full-length running suit which leaves only her hands and face exposed. It's only traditional in spirit, however: The fabric is clingy and stretchable and her white hijab headwear bears the swoosh trademark of her sponsor.

Al Ghasara said her outfit is a personal choice, although tradition weighs heavily. While other Bahraini female athletes compete in the clothing more typical of their sports, many are naturalized Bahraini citizens who were not raised Muslim.

Yet Al Ghasara, who claims U.S. sprinter Marion Jones as a role model, said she hoped her clothing choice would inspire other Muslim women to join in competitive sports.

The 15th Asian Games are the first to be held in an Arab state and Doha officials are using it as a test run to bid for the 2016 Olympics. Other Muslim women have competed in clothes that conform with their traditions, but Al Ghasara has the highest profile.

"Wearing the hijab shows that there are no obstacles. I've set my best times wearing the hijab and even qualified for Osaka in it," she said, referring to the Japanese city which is hosting next year's World Championships.

Sumber : http://www.cbc.ca/cp/sports/061211/s121121A.html


“Syukur kepada Allah saya menang,” kata pelajar berusia 24 tahun itu, yang tidak seperti atlit import lain dalam pasukan olahraga Bahrain yang sebenarnya berasal dari Negara Teluk yang lain.

“Saya memang berhak menang emas acara 200m. Saya adalah yang terkuat dan terbaik,” kata Ruqaya sambil menambah dia tidak bermasalah memakai penutup kepala.

“Saya memiliki keinginan hebat untuk menunjukkan tiada masalah apabila memakai pakaian seperti ini,” katanya.

“Saya mahu katakan saya amat bertuah kerana menjadi seorang Muslim – ia satu rahmat. Memakai pakaian konservatif memberi galakan kepada saya. Memakai hijab membuktikan wanita Muslim tidak berdepan halangan dan menggalakkan mereka untuk menyertai sukan.

“Ini adalah kemenangan buat semua wanita Muslim. Saya menasihatkan semua wanita Muslim untuk menyertai sukan. Ia amat bagus untuk kesihatan dan negara anda.”

Sumber : http://www.bharian.com.my/

The 24-year-old wore a hijab - a scarf which covers the hair and neck - along with leggings and long sleeves, but still outpaced her more scantily-clad rivals to win gold for Bahrain.

"I want to say I'm very thankful for being a Muslim; it's a blessing," said the sports management student.

"Wearing conservative clothes has encouraged me. Wearing a veil proves that Muslim women face no obstacles and encourages them to participate in sport. This is a glory to all Muslim women."

Sumber : http://www.foxsports.com.au/

"I have no problems with the hijab," said Al Ghasara, who showed her talent in winning the West Asian 100m title last year also in Doha.

"I have a great desire to show that there are no problems with wearing these clothes. Wearing a veil proves that Muslim women face no obstacles and encourages them to compete in sport."

Sumber : http://english.aljazeera.net/