Mumbai: Amritpal Singh and Amyjot Singh of India were asked to remove their turbans before India faced Japan on July 12 in their opening match in the Asia Cup in Wuhan, China, according to reports.
Both the players were told that as per the Article 4.4.2 of the rule "Players shall not wear equipment (objects) that may cause injury to other players." It further says: "Headgear, hair accessories and jewellery are not permitted."
While India's coach Scott Fleming requested the officials to let the Indian duo play wearing the turbans, it was of no use. The Singh duo was only allowed to play after they removed their turbans.
As per reports, Amritpal Singh said "We have always played in turbans, even in last year's Asian Championship in Manila and also the recently held Lusofonia Games in Goa."
Amyjot Singh said, "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."
Indian coach who was aghast at the rule felt that headgear wouldn’t cause any harm to others. He made it clear that he is against a rule that challenges someone’s religious beliefs.
