Sep 19, 2014: CHANDIGARH - Eminent Sikh sportspersons from India have welcomed Fiba's decision to allow basketball players their fundamental right to wear religious head coverings.
This decision taken by international basketball's governing body means Sikh hoopsters from India will now be able to wear a turban while playing at the Asian or international level.
Though this resolution is on a trial basis for two years and will go through a testing phase, the likes of Milkha Singh, cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi, hockey stars Ajitpal Singh and Pargat Singh welcomed the decision and feel it's a step in the right direction.
Reacting on Fiba's changed stance, legendary middle-distance runner Milkha Singh said, "I welcome the new move by Fiba. It comes as a great relief for all the Sikh players, who are playing the game at the top level. I am very sure that Fiba will allow Sikh's to wear the turbans and dastaars even after the testing period."
Former Indian cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi felt that this decision was coming and Fiba was bound to change the rules.
"It was great to see Indians leading the way in ending the Fiba ban on turbans. This had to happen, and although there will be a testing period I'm sure pagdi or any other headgear will pass with flying colours. Now every Sikh across the world, who wishes to play basketball, can play the game with their religious headgear on," he said.
Hockey legend Ajitpal Singh appreciated the decision taken by Fiba, but also said that the latest ruling fell short of his expectations. "This is a good first step... in the right direction, however, I will be satisfied only when the ruling becomes permanent, not just a temporary face-saving decision," said the 1975 Hockey World Cup winning captain.
Former Olympian Pargat Singh sounded optimistic about Fiba's new regulation. "I was keeping a tab on this issue... well, Fiba's new board was elected on August 29 and in their first meeting (on September 13) they raised this issue on a priority basis, so we should not question their intentions, rather I am positive about the new ruling and I am quite sure that after the trial period the rule will be made permanent," he said.