Qatar hijab row prompts ‘revision process’

Intl basketball federation to look into matter after several complaints

INCHEON: Basketball's world body said it was looking at its controversial headgear ban on Friday after Qatar's women's team quit the Asian Games in a row over their Muslim hijabs.

The International Basketball Federation (Fiba) insisted its ban has no ‘religious connotation’ but said it had started a ‘revision process’ after several complaints.

Earlier the body has said, "Fiba's regulations apply on a global scale and without any religious connotation.

"While certain groups have interpreted the provisions of the official basketball rules as a ban against the participation of players of certain faiths in basketball competitions, the uniform regulations are of a purely sporting nature."

Iraq, UAE power into football quarters

Iraq hit four goals past Tajikistan and the UAE hammered Vietnam 3-1 on Friday to book places in the Asian Games football quarter-finals.

In the women's quarter-finals, North Korea beat neighbours China 1-0 through substitute Ho Un-Byol.

Lin fights way towards Lee showdown

Badminton superstar Lin Dan was again made to work before moving one match away from a likely Asian Games showdown with Malaysia's world number one Lee Chong Wei on Friday.

While Lee thrashed Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap to reach the quarter-finals, Lin had to come from behind in both games before beating Hong Kong's Hu Yun 21-16, 22-20.

The Chinese Olympic champion also had trouble putting away South Korea's Lee Dong-Keun in the first round and he said he was not looking ahead to the expected semi-final with Lee.

"I was able to be patient and come back from behind," said Lin, 30, who is the defending Asian Games champion after beating Lee in the 2010 final.

"No player can guarantee that they will win every match. That's why I keep training every day. I'll do my best."