Washington, Mar 9 (PTI): In a first, a hijab has been launched for female Muslim athletes that will allow them to observe the traditional Islamic practice of covering the head without compromising performance.

The head covering, marketed under the "Pro Hijab" brand by Nike Inc, is designed to allow athletes to observe the traditional Islamic practice of covering the head without compromising performance.

The company announced that it would release a Pro Hijab for female Muslim athletes in spring 2018. The hijab is expected to cost USD 35, the New York Times reported. It is made of a lightweight, stretchy mesh polyester and will come in gray, black and obsidian.

The Pro Hijab is the result of "an ongoing cultural shift that has seen more women than ever embracing sport," Nike said in a statement. The product, which has been in development for a year, was tested by athletes including Zahra Lari, the first figure skater from the UAE to compete internationally, it said.

The presence of hijabi-wearing athletes like the boxer Arifa Bseiso, the fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad and the triathlete Najla Al Jeraiwi has become increasingly common at international competitions.

Last year, Danish sportswear company Hummel unveiled a soccer jersey with an attached hijab for the Afghanistan national women's soccer team.