Racial discrimination against Sikh players in Basketball league

The Indian basketball team’s spectacular performance in the 5th FIBA Asia Cup in China, left bitter memories for two Sikh players - Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh. The players were notified to get rid of their turbans before the game commences and also were blocked from entering the court, minutes before the play.

Article 4.4.2 of Fiba's rule states that, "Players shall not wear equipment (objects) that may cause injury to other players.Headgear, hair accessories and jewellery are not permitted."

The players for the team detached their turbans and Amritpal scored a game-high 15 points in the match after the discrimination. It is a disgrace that such hostility was not raised in the past. Parents of both the players are against their wards playing without a turban. The union sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal was shocked and outraged about the humiliation.

The ministry said, “Our government respects all religions and will do everything to ensure that their sentiments do not get hurt. Wearing a turban does not affect fair play and has not been objected to in international sports championships."