The Qatari players were asked, in accordance with International Basketball Federation's rules, to remove their headscarves in order to play against Mongolia.
However, the players refused, saying it violated their religious beliefs and they wanted to send a strong message to the sport's governing federation that the ban was unfair.
"We have to take this stand," said Ahlam Salem M al Mana of Qatar.
"We are here to push the international association that all Muslim teams are ready to compete in any competition. We knew about the hijab ban, but we have to be here. We have to show everyone that we are ready to play, but the International Association is not ready,” she added.
A spokesperson for the Incheon Asian Games (IAGOC) told Reuters that organisers had no alternative other than to declare a forfeit because, “the rule that the players broke is International Basketball Federation rule 4.4.2, which talks about uniforms and what players can wear.”
The technical official asked them to remove the scarf and they refused, so the game was forfeited by Qatar.
The use of hijabs has become a hot topic in sport in recent years with Muslim athletes complaining that they are being discriminated against. Human rights groups and the United Nations joined forces to put pressure on sporting bodies to lift the bans.
Earlier this year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) unanimously overturned a ban on the garments, allowing soccer players to wear them. They had previously been banned due to safety concerns and because they were not recognised in the laws of the game. But FIFA medical reports showed there were no safety concerns.
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.
Basketball remains one of the exceptions although International Basketball Federation (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.
"Relaxing the current rules regarding headgear in order to enable national federations to request, as of now, exceptions to be applied at the national level within their territory without incurring any sanctions for violation of FIBA's Official Basketball Rules," FIBA explained.
"National Federations wishing to apply for such an exception to the uniform regulations shall submit a detailed request to FIBA. Once approved, they shall submit follow-up reports twice a year to monitor the use of such exceptions."
The Incheon official said there had been no instructions from FIBA regarding the hijab.
"FIBA informed me they had not released a statement regarding possible changes yet," the official added.
Qatari player Amal Mohamed A Mohamed said they had been assured they would be able to wear the hijab before they came to the Asian Games, which are being run under the slogan: "Diversity Shines Here".
"Before attending the Asian Games, we were told that we would be able to participate in matches by wearing a hijab," she said. "However, the organisers of the Asian Games said to us that players with the hijab cannot play today's match.”
“Since we can't take that off to take part in the match because of our religion, we just forfeited the match with Mongolia." Mohamed said.
She was confused about why the scarf had been banned. "I just don't understand why we're not allowed to play with the hijab. I don't think the hijab is dangerous, and negatively influences the match or other players," she said.
"We've attended many international competitions in Indonesia and China. Therefore, we will not attend any games in this Asian Games unless the officials change their decision," she concluded.
COMMENTS (15)
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@vaqas: The game will not die by allowing some players to exercise their right to wear what they want....its funny some people talk about the intolerance of muslims whereas they themselves are not willing to tolerate a woman who chooses to wear a hijab and that too by her own will
@Talha: How come Pakistani women don't wear hijab or burqa in movies and on TV?
I fail to understand if the coach or team manager did not know the rules (Which is hard to believe since they are competing on international forum) or they just went thinking it would be allowed despite the rules? If they did know them then there was no point in sending the team in the first place knowing the religious beliefs?
Why allow "faith" to dictate how people can break social norms and customs of other places? Anyone can claim anything as their faith, will any tomfoolery be allowed in the name of "religious freedom"?
@vaqas:
Yeah same rule should also apply for any practising Sikh player in the game. Male or Female. After all we do not want "entertainment" of the game effected. Because then they will ask for wearing Kirpans too during the game.
@Shayne O: Return back to pakistan and practise your extremism freely.
@Maula Jatt: If you take all the indian muslims from India, then it won't be our care.
As long as the players themselves are assuring that hijab does not hinder in their sport and are willing to compete without any concessions regarding rules of the game, there remains little reasoning to debar them from what is their religious right! In fact this is a discriminatory and racist attitude. By allowing these girls to compete, the olympic and sports body would ve sent a very positive message that sports can bridge gaps between cultures instead of creating more divide and misconceptions. I stand behind the qatari contingent and people everywhere who stand for their basic human rights without any intimidation whatsoever. Kudos!
Dear Indian Hindus @vaqas, @animal farm:
It is no concern of yours what Muslim women choose to wear. We have the complete right to practice our religion, without any restriction. I am proud of Muslim sisters who struggle for justice. I am sure God watching and giving them blessings.
@PostMan: Just as vaqas said,its the same case of Camel and tent story.....
Recently,there was a case filed by a Muslim woman against Disneyland for not allowing them to wear hijab...When she joined the company,she didnt wear one for first 3 years..Only after one year after becoming permanent,she started wearing one and was offered a job which involved less interaction of people but she refused...So they fired her...
This is called toeing the line...Had they allowed it,she would come in burkha next....
Great stand by the Qatari team. It is a crucial part of their faith. This is real women empowerment.... When the woman's skill and intellect and not her body is the object of appreciation.
@vaqas: None whatsoever. The headgear that female basketball players are playing with is perfectly safe for the player herself and the opponents. Burqa is not coming to a playing court near you anytime soon.
Vaqas, pretty sure a burqua basketball team wouldn't pass the qualifications anyway due to not being able to play properly. Hijab however does not in the slightest bit impede these woman.
Apparently I heard Sikh men are having trouble too.
Nothing like good old racism to wreck things for everybody. Trust me, its a problem here in Australia right now.
Good move Girls!!
If the ban is lifted, we will be going down a very slippery slope. It will be like the famous camel and tent story. Next would be a full on burqa on the courts hampering a very fluid game. The culmination would be only female spectators allowed with bans on media coverage and ultimately the demise of a very entertaining sport.