In a surprising turn of events at the Sugar Bert Boxing National Championships in Kissimmee, Florida, 16-year-old Layla Ahmed was all set to step into the ring when officials abruptly disqualified her due to her hijab. Layla, a devoted Muslim, was prepared to fight wearing her hijab, along with a long-sleeved shirt and leggings beneath her headgear. However, USA Boxing deemed her attire a breach of the sport’s uniform regulations.
Her opponent, a spirited young boxer named Sophia Rivera, was awarded the victory by default. But instead of simply accepting the win and calling it a day, Sophia decided to take a stand for what she believed was right. Layla recounted the moment to the Washington Post, saying, “Sophia walked up to me, placed her belt in my lap, and said, ‘This is yours. You’re the true winner. This is so unfair.’ We ended up hugging, and then the event organizer made sure I received a belt too.” Now that’s what we call girl power!
Layla discovered her passion for boxing at the age of 13, despite her father’s suggestion to try fencing instead. She insisted on boxing, quickly proving her mettle by sparring with boys at her gym and joining a team. However, finding opponents has been a challenge for her. Not only is she a girl in a male-dominated sport, but at 5’0″ and around 114 pounds, it’s tough to find competitors her size. Add the dress code issue to the mix, and you can see why things get complicated.
The Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) prohibits fighters from covering their heads, arms, or legs below the knee, forcing athletes like Layla to choose between their faith and their sport. This isn’t the first time AIBA has faced backlash over dress codes; back in 2012, they suggested female boxers wear skirts during their matches, only to reverse the decision later to allow shorts as an option. Seriously, why is that even a discussion?
USA Boxing executive director, Jack Thompson, defended the uniform rules by citing safety concerns, claiming they prevent boxers from hiding injuries. He also expressed apprehension about setting a precedent that could lead to a barrage of requests from various religious groups for different uniforms. “We have 30,000 amateur boxers in the U.S.,” Thompson said. “If we make exceptions for one, then where do we draw the line?”
While we wait for AIBA and other sports organizations to modernize their policies, we can take heart in athletes like Layla who continue to fight for their right to compete, and allies like Sophia who stand up for them. Bert Wells, CEO of Sugar Bert Boxing Promotions, expressed support for Layla, emphasizing the sport’s diversity and welcoming her back for future competitions.
Layla’s father captured the essence of her struggle perfectly: “As a parent and a person of faith, I am so proud to see my daughter embodying strength in her quest to excel both in her faith and life. She inspires others through her actions and resilience, and that’s what makes her truly exceptional.”
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In summary, Layla Ahmed’s experience at the boxing championships highlights the ongoing struggles athletes face regarding dress codes and religious expression in sports. Her opponent Sophia Rivera’s act of solidarity serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one another in the face of injustice.