TEENAGER NOMINATED FOR AWARD AFTER BECOMING
30 Sunday Mail
change attitudes has earned her a Sunday Mail Young Scot nomination in the Equality And Diversity category.
The schoolgirl, who helped her basketball team reach the final of the 2018 Glasgow Schools’ Cup, said: “Muslim women haven’t been given the opportunity to become great athletes. There could be the next Andy Murray or Michael Jordan from our community out there but you would never know.
“Sport gives Muslim girls the chance to grow and flourish. All we need to do is break down the barriers.
“I think some are afraid of what their parents might think because, traditionally and culturally, sport is not something young Muslim gi rls do or are expected to
do. So many good things come from sport and it is a real shame that some young people have felt they cannot participate due to their faith or religion. “For me, my culture and sport go hand in hand. There are lots of sports young Muslim women can do without having to be disrespectful to our customs. Basketball is just one of them.” Mukadass, who also helps younger pupils with their reading, added: “I play basketball in my hijab and cover my arms and legs so I am not going against my culture in any way. Last year, basketbal l ’ s governing body FIBA l i f ted the ban on headscarves for female professional athletes, acknowl edg ingng it causes no obstruction ion in the sport. “Nike have just t