Social Justice Dialogues--Dribbling Down Barriers: Clearing Misconceptions with Bilquis Abdul Qaardir
After record breaking performances, her dream to play professionally quickly ended due to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rule prohibiting head gear larger than five inches. Unwilling to stray in her beliefs, Bilqis chose faith over basketball. Through an op-ed published by TIME, an open letter signed by Olympic, retired and professional athletes, high-level speaking engagements and interviews with BBC Sport – and their 55 million strong audience, Bilqis raised her voice for the next generation while her own dream was benched. In May 2017, FIBA overturned the hijab ban.