STOP Racial Discrimination against Sikh Turban in FIBA! #LetSikhsPlay
![Rps Kohli]( "Rps Kohli")
- Petition byNew Delhi, India
On July 12th this year at the Asia Cup Championship at Wuhan, two Sikh Players were humiliated for wearing a turban. Just minutes before their first basketball game, they were asked to remove their turbans because their headgear “violated FIBA’s rules”.
The turban is a part of the Sikh Code of Conduct. FIBA’s policies are discriminatory and curb the players’ religious freedom.
These policies must be changed. FIBA should change its discriminatory policies and allow sikhs to participate in the championship, with their turbans on. Sign my petition.
This incident has deeply hurt the feelings of all Sikhs - who shouldn’t be persecuted for merely adhering to their faith.
Recently, in 2102 FIFA changed it’s policies and lifted the ban on headscarves for female muslim players. It’s high time FIBA recognizes and changes it’s discriminatory policies towards Sikhs.
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 in tact.
Sports are means of uniting people from diverse cultures, religions and races. Ask FIBA to change it’s discriminatory policies and allow sikhs to play.
To:
Lubomir Kotleba, Sports Director, FIBA
Yvan Mainini, FIBA President (International Basketball Federation)
Lubomir Kotleba, Sports Director, FIBA
Yvan Mainini, FIBA President (International Basketball Federation)
STOP Racial Discrimination against Sikh Turban in FIBA! #LetSikhsPlay
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your name]