UWW’s strict uniform policy has repeatedly barred Muslim women from international competition, sparking growing demands for reform within the wrestling community
Muslim female wrestlers at Birmingham's Impact Fitness Academy are speaking out against international wrestling uniform rules that prevent them from competing due to their religious beliefs. The rules, enforced by United World Wrestling (UWW), require athletes to wear a singlet, which exposes the legs, arms and has a low neckline—attire that conflicts with modesty standards in Islam.
Coach Haniyah Kousar, the UK's first Muslim female wrestling coach, said, "Religiously, we can't show that skin." This has made it impossible for her students to participate in international competitions, despite their skill and passion.
Despite the limitations imposed by the singlet rule, the wrestlers remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence. One student, Asia, remains determined. "I dream of representing Team GB in the Olympics one day, and the singlet will not stop me from trying," she said.
This issue is not limited to the UK. Jamilah McBryde, a wrestler from the United States, faced a similar hurdle when she was denied the opportunity to compete in the final Team USA trials for the Paris Olympics. The UWW’s uniform regulations prevented McBryde, who also adheres to modest dress, from taking part in what could have been a defining moment in her career.
Despite her exclusion, McBryde has become a vocal advocate for more inclusive uniform rules. In a Zoom call with Kousar’s students, she shared her experience and encouraged the young athletes to continue fighting for their right to compete.
"Even though we were denied the opportunity to compete in the Olympic trials, we’re still going to fight for the right to compete, not only for myself but for my younger sisters, for all young girls—not just Muslims—who don't feel comfortable wearing the singlet," McBryde said.
This isn't an isolated incident. Muslim women across various sports have long faced obstacles due to uniform regulations that clash with their religious beliefs.
Zainab Ibrahim, an 18-year-old wrestler from Umpqua Community College, recently faced a heartbreaking decision when she was barred from competing in the World Team Trials.
Despite being permitted to wear her hijab, she was informed that she must expose her arms and legs to comply with uniform standards, a violation of her religious beliefs. Ibrahim, who has been wrestling since junior high, withdrew from the competition, though she had previously succeeded in modest attire.
“I don’t want to have to decide between my faith and my love of wrestling,” Ibrahim says.
Last year, Latifa McBryde, another Muslim wrestler, qualified for the Pan-American Wrestling Championships but was unable to compete. Like Ibrahim, McBryde faced uniform restrictions that forced her to forfeit her spot despite years of preparation and hard work.
An online petition supporting Latifah McBryde's request for a uniform exemption garnered nearly 12,000 signatures, reflecting the growing movement advocating for the revision of wrestling's uniform policies. Coaches, athletes, and allies within the wrestling community are increasingly calling on United World Wrestling (UWW) to modify its rules to accommodate religious attire, pushing for greater inclusivity in the sport.
While UWW's strict uniform rules present a significant challenge on the international stage, the situation is different in domestic competitions. The British Wrestling Association (BWA) has adopted a more inclusive stance on wrestling attire, allowing greater flexibility for athletes who prefer modest clothing. According to the BWA, competition wear requirements have been relaxed to accommodate a more diverse group of participants.
"In line with making the sport more accessible, competition wear requirements have been relaxed for all levels of competition within the control of British Wrestling," the BWA stated.
"For National and Club level competitions, tight tops and leggings can be worn under a traditional wrestling singlet. For lower-level competitions, the requirement for a singlet has been removed, though wrestlers will need to be clearly identifiable as either red or blue."
Kousar praised these changes, noting how they have opened doors for many Muslim girls who would otherwise have been excluded.