The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has banned the use of bulky headgear for "security" reasons. The rule affects Sikhs basketball players from Punjab, the best in India. Three champions agreed to cut their hair to stop using the turban: "I am the only source of income for my family, but it was heartbreaking. It was like losing a part of me."

New Delhi (AsiaNews / Agencies) - In recent years, Punjab has produced the most talent in the world of Indian basketball. Yet, the country risks losing its best players and competitiveness, even internationally, following an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) ruling in June 2014 that banned the use of any type of headgear that may constitute a "threat" to the other players. A rule that directly affects Sikh sportsmen, whose religion requires them to cover their hair (never cut) with a turban, and Punjab, where they represent the majority community (60%).

According to Art. 4.4.2 of the FIBA, basketball players can wear headdresses no larger than five centimeters (such as headbands- ed), to keep your hair from their face and absorb sweat. Since it was enacted, the law has prompted many young Sikhs of Punjab to give up playing basketball. What's more, three great champions of Indian basketball have decided to cut their hair, in order to participate in the Asia Cup which was held last September.

A step which Amjyot Singh describes as "heartbreaking. They don't understand it's not just a headgear. It's a part of my body. "Indians have played with patkas all these years and nothing untoward has happened. The patka is a small version of the turban, typically used by children and sportsmen, because more comfortable.

Amjyot's teammate Amritpal recalls: "I come from a poor farming family in Amritsar and I'm the only earning member. I saw my father's helplessness when I told him that I'd need to chop my hair. He was shocked, but he had no choice but to allow me," he adds.

The Sikhs who pass the khanḍe-kī-pahul, the "baptism" (not mandatory), must have the five "k's", the "physical signs of faith": kesh,, long hair, never cut and collected in a patka or a turban; kara, a bracelet of iron or steel; kirpan, the ceremonial dagger; Kangha, the comb; kacha (elongated underwear or undergarments symbol of self-control and chastity).

For Sikhs the five "ks" are more than just symbols, because they are part of the very essence of their faith. This is why for basketball players (or aspiring) of this religion the FIPA rule is an imposition on thier lifestyle choice.

"People - underscores Amjyot - "People know us because of basketball. It gives us jobs and brings food to the table. But the sport will lose many talented players from Punjab if they don't rethink this rule. I have played, but if my son where to ask me tomorrow to become a basketball player I wouldn't allow him".

 

• india
• punkab
• sikh
• religious
• freedom
• basketball
• federation