Afghanistan unveils soccer kit with hijab – CNN

Khalida Popal captained the Afghan women’s team before having to retire due to a knee injury, and has become a role model for aspiring female players in the war-torn country.

“The national team shirt symbolizes all of our culture, our tradition, our history,” says Popal. “To wear that shirt and to lead your country out onto the football pitch is something that stays with you forever.

“It was a huge honor to captain my country but it was an even bigger honor to be seen as a role model and an inspiration for thousands of young girls and women in Afghanistan.

“I think the Afghanistan women’s team shows the huge potential football has as a unifying force. I like to think that we have given a lot of women in our country fresh hope.”

On the new jersey, Popal added: “I have been involved in the consultation for the design of the shirt pretty much from the outset.

“I wanted something that reflected the strength of the Afghan character and incorporated the very best of the country’s traditions and heritage.

“I think this shirt has achieved both.”