Reconciling Islam and sports: a Quebecer launches the "Sports Hijab"

Some young Muslim women who practice their faith are eager to participate in sports like everyone else, but for some, it's not appropriate to reveal their hair.  There was a market, a demand, that a young Quebec woman of Iranian origin decided to meet.

Elham Seyed Javad, 27, has just launched a company to market the "sports hijab," which is already in high demand among enthusiasts in Japan, Germany, and Australia.

The name of the hijab comes from the Arabic root "hajaba," which means "to hide," "to conceal from view," "to create distance." This veil covers the hair, ears, and neck, leaving only the oval of the face visible.

The young woman's company, ÏQO Design, is now in the running for a lucrative contract with the Iranian government, whose women's football team has a strong chance of qualifying for the next Olympic Games.