MINNESOTA – Barred from fighting circles over hijab, a young Muslim boxer is working to inspire youth boxers and Muslim women athletes, while seeking a rule change to allow her outfit.

“I love my religion with all my heart, but I love boxing with all my heart,” Amaiya Zafar, 16, who wears a tightfitting sports hijab, long-sleeved shirt and leggings under her tank top and shorts, told Star Tribune.

“I don’t have to compromise one for the other and that’s what they are asking me to do.”

Zafar, from Oakdale, Minnesota, has been waiting nearly two years for an official fight since first seeking a rule change in 2015.

She was barred at the last minute from a November 20 bout at the Sugar Bert Boxing National Championships in Kissimmee, Florida.

USA Boxing officials say that boxers must wear only a sleeveless jersey and shorts, so everyone has a clear view of fighters’ arms and legs.

“The focus of our work will be in regards to the health and safety of all boxers while respecting their right to compete,” said Mike McAtee, USA Boxing’s interim executive director.

The rules did not disappoint Zafar who keeps fighting for her right to practice her favorite sport.

Her supporters say boxing officials have “blacklisted” her. Local boxing agencies argue they can’t find a boxer in her weight class — Zafar stands 5 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 106 pounds.

“It doesn’t make sense,” Zafar said. “But one thing is that it definitely made me stronger. No, I’m not going to take off my hijab, and when I say that, that’s empowering.”

Fighting for Future

Acknowledging her efforts, Shirzanan, a New York media and advocacy organization that works to make Muslim women athletes more visible, enlisted Zafar as their youngest ambassador.

“Amaiya shouldn’t have to fight alone for a chance to get in the ring,” said Mara Gubuan, acting executive director of Shirzanan.

Gubuan, of Shirzanan, said the group has hired a human rights lawyer to look at overturning rules that discriminate against Muslim athletes in boxing and other sports.

“Observant Muslim athletes need to be covered and there should be some kind of allowance,” Gubuan said.

Winning others’ support, Amaiya was not fighting for herself anymore.

“It’s not about Amaiya anymore,” her coach, Adonis Frazier, said. “Her fight is going to be about people.”

Zafar says she has no plans to back down and wants to continue encouraging young people to pick up boxing.

“Even if I don’t get to fight, the next generation will fight,” Zafar said. “I will make sure I get them ready.”