BFI welcomes FIBA move to allow headgears

K. Govindaraj, Basketball Federation of India President said, “This is a great move by FIBA, not only for players of the Sikh community, but also for players from the Islamic and Jewish community.

Amjyot Singh and Amritpal Singh—two Sikh players on the Indian national men’s basketball team—were made to remove their turbans before the opening match at the FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan (China).

 

FIBA, the international basketball governing body, has decided to allow players to wear headgear during matches. This includes the use of turbans, hijabs, and kippah (worn by Jews). The decision was unanimously ratified by FIBA’s first mid-term Congress, constituted by representatives from 139 national federations. The new rule will be effective from October 1 this year.

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This decision comes around three years after Amjyot Singh and Amritpal Singh—two Sikh players on the Indian national men’s basketball team—were made to remove their turbans before the opening match at the FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan (China). At the time, FIBA cited a rule that banned the use of headgear, hair accessories, and jewellery on the court.

K. Govindaraj, Basketball Federation of India President said, “This is a great move by FIBA, not only for players of the Sikh community, but also for players from the Islamic and Jewish community. India has a very diverse population and we hope that this shows to all that basketball is a sport for individuals of all backgrounds and religions.”