On August 27, the international Sikh community experienced a painful setback when FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, announced that it will not reverse Article 4.4.2, which bans players from wearing dastaars (turbans) on the court. Instead FIBA delayed its decision, saying that the Technical and Legal Commissions "...shall study and present options to the Central Board."
When I first learned that Sikh players were told by FIBA that they must remove their dastaars before playing at the Japan-India game in mid-July of this year, I was appalled. As the first turbaned Sikh American to play basketball for an NCAA program, I can testify first-hand that informed governing bodies have permitted followers of the Sikh faith to proudly wear their turbans in games on the United States, Canada, and elsewhere. These respected athletic institutions reject FIBA's notion that religious head coverings "may cause injury to other players" and recognize that these policies are discriminatory.
with thanks : huffington post : LINK : for detailed news.
