Earlier this year, Darsh Preet Singh—a participant in SALDEF’s Speaker’s Bureau—was honored by the Smithsonian for being the first turbaned Sikh American to play basketball in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Singh paved the way for young Sikh Americans by practicing his faith AND pursuing his basketball dreams. However, after allowing turbaned Sikhs to play basketball, FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, has reversed its rules—with no warning—and are preventing two of India’s most talented players, Amrit Pal Singh, and Amjyot Singh from playing basketball with their dastaars! No one—including dastaar wearing Sikhs—should be singled out because of his or her race, beliefs, or identity. Send a message to FIBA today! WHAT HAPPENED? On July 12, 2014, just before a big game against Japan in the FIBA Asia Cup, referees told two dastaar wearing players they could not wear their articles of faith because it violated a FIBA rule “Players shall not wear equipment (objects) that may cause injury to other players.” COULDN’T THE COACH DO ANYTHING? India’s American Coach, Scott Flemming, had reached out to FIBA ahead of the game advocating for his Sikh players. Thinking they had come to an understanding about these articles of faith, he was surprised to learn—on the evening of the game—his players would not be allowed to play with their dastaars on. WHAT ARE WE DOING? SALDEF, alongside The Sikh Coalition and individual Sikh Americans are pitching to the press and creating social media opportunities (#LetSikhsPlay) to raise awareness. Check out Rega Jha’s BuzzFeed article, The International Basketball Federation is Forcing Sikhs To Take Their Turbans Off. WHAT CAN I DO? Join us. Send a message to FIBA urging them to change their rules and open their minds to inclusion and diversity! Sports bring people together in unity. Shouldn’t we celebrate the differences that make teams unique and better? Let us send a message together: Sikh Americans will not tolerate FIBA’s policy. There should be fair practices and rules, allowing players from all backgrounds to participate!
