BeyondHeadlines News Desk
In the wake of the alleged humiliation of the two Sikh Players over wearing turbans in the Asia Cup Championship at Wuhan on July 12 this year, an online petition has been initiated through change.org, urging FIBA to relax its rule against religious headgear.
Just minutes before their first basketball game, both the Sikh players Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh were asked to remove their turbans as their headgear violated FIBA’s rules.
According to the petitioner Ravinder Pal Singh Kohli, a Delhi based businessman, “The turban is a part of the Sikh Code of Conduct. FIBA’s policies are discriminatory and curb the players’ religious freedom.”
Recently, in 2102 FIBA changed its policies and lifted the ban on headscarves for female Muslim players. According to Sikhs, its high time that FIBA recognizes and changes it’s discriminatory policies towards them.
According to Singh, there is no evidence that the turban has been dangerous during a basketball game or any other sporting event. Many Sikh players like Milkha Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Monty Panesar have enjoyed safe and successful careers with their articles of faith intact.
The petition has currently around 55,000 signatures and enjoys the support of eminent personalities like Milkha Singh, Bishen Singh Bedi and Yo Yo Honey Singh.
