If women can’t wear the hijab, then Qatar women won’t compete in basketball at the Asian Games — and that’s the final word from Islamic authorities.
The government of Qatar pulled the plug on its women’s basketball competition in South Korea after it was made clear that the head scarves would not be welcomed on the court, BBC reported. Mongolia then won by forfeit, the media outlet said.
World basketball regulations cite headgear and hair accessories as among the banned items on court.
“The right of the athletes must be the highest priority,” said the Olympic Council of Asia, in a statement reported by BBC.
Qatar players said they were surprised by the ruling.
“We were told that we would be able to participate in matches by wearing a hijab,” said Qatari player Amal Mohamed A Mohamed, BBC reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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