After a good outing in the Asia Cup in China, Indian basketball players were on the receiving end of an alleged racial discrimination when the Sikh members – Amritpal and Amjyot Singh – were forced to play the Japan tie without turbans.

According to a Times of India report, match officials informed the players that international basketball federation (FIBA) rules don’t allow them wear it on the court.

“Players shall not wear equipment (objects) that may cause injury to other players.” It further says: “Headgear, hair accessories and jewellery are not permitted,” reads Article 4.4.2 of the rules.

India’s American coach Scott Fleming backed his players on the issue, but his request went unheard and the players played without the turban.

“We have always played in turbans, even in last year’s Asian Championship in Manila and also the recently held Lusofonia Games in Goa,” Amritpal said.

Amjyot too echoed Amritpal’s sentiments: “Wearing turban is a part of me. When they told us we couldn’t play with one it felt very awkward. But for the team we decided to play without turbans,” he said.