FIBA okays the use of hijab News - Daily Sports Nigeria

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FIBA okays the use of hijab

By Daily Sports on May 5, 2017

World basketball ruling body, FIBA, has changed its rules on headgear in a move that will allow players to wear the hijab during matches, in line with their religious belief.

Previous rules had banned the practice, over what it said was a safety issue.

The Qatar women's team withdrew from the 2014 Asian Games after being denied permission to wear the hijab - a head covering worn by many Muslim women.

On Thursday, new rules were ratified that will take effect from 1 October.

"The new rule comes as a result of the fact that traditional dress codes in some countries - which called for the head and/or entire body being covered - were incompatible with previous headgear rules," a Fiba statement read.

FIBA began a revision process of its headgear rule in September 2014, with exceptions being granted at national level as part of a two-year testing period.

Earlier that year, football's governing body FIFA officially authorised the wearing of head covers for religious reasons during matches.

Photo shows hijab wearing female basketballers.

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 5, 2017