WUNRN
World basketball regulations list headgear and hair accessories among
the items that are prohibited on court.
With no sign that the rule would be relaxed before their next match
against
The statement added: "While certain groups have interpreted the
provisions of the official basketball rules as a ban against the participation
of players of certain faiths in basketball competitions, the uniform
regulations are of a purely sporting nature."
Other sports at the Asian Games allow athletes to wear the hijab; all
four members of the Iranian lightweight women's quadruple sculls team wore it
as they rowed to a bronze medal on Wednesday.
Earlier this year, football's governing body Fifa officially
authorised the wearing of head covers for religious reasons
during football matches.
Basketball remains one of the exceptions, although Fiba said earlier
this month that it had held discussions on the issue and was introducing a two-year testing phase
on what players can wear.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) issued a statement on Wednesday,
saying: "The right of the athletes must be the highest priority."
After forfeiting the Mongolian match, Qatari player Amal Mohamed A
Mohamed said they had been assured before they travelled to the Games in
Incheon that they would be able to wear the hijab.
"We were told that we would be able to participate in matches by
wearing a hijab," she said.
"We will not attend any games in this Asian Games unless the
officials change their decision."
The Asian Games, held every four years, are recognised by the
International Olympic Committee and feature more than 9,000 athletes from 45
countries competing in 36 sports.
The 2014 edition concluded on 4 October.
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