AFP
INCHEON, September 26
The Qatari women's basketball team withdrew from the Asian Games in protest against international rules that ban players from wearing Muslim headscarves in competition.
The dispute over the Qatari players' refusal to remove their hijabs - regarded by some as a rule that discriminates against Muslim women - has created a stir at the games and raised new questions about rules banning head coverings.Qatar delegation leader Khalid al-Jabir said the team decided to withdraw and already was preparing to return home.
The Qatari women were to play Nepal on Thursday afternoon but did not show at the venue. Officials took their places, starting lineups were distributed to the media and announced to the spectators, but none of the Qatari players arrived. The women were not allowed to wear head coverings in their opening game on Wednesday and refused to play, surrendering the game to Mongolia.
The Olympic Council of Asia and the Asian Games organizing committee had no immediate comment.
Organizers, who have tried to portray the regional Olympic-style event as a showcase of diversity, seemed surprised by the players' decision to not show at all Thursday.
"We did not get any intimation from the Qatar team on whether they'll come for the match or not," technical delegate Heros Avanesian said. "We had no option but to wait for them before awarding the match to the other team."
Al-Jabir said the team had been left with no choice.
"We're not forfeiting games - we're not being allowed to play," al-Jabir said by phone hours before the Nepal game. "On the one hand, everyone wants more women to participate in these games and, on the other hand, they're discouraging Muslim women who want to play in hijab."
Although sports ranging from bowling to badminton allow hijabs to be worn during Asian Games competition, basketball's world governing body does not allow them in international competition. The issue reached an impasse when the Qatari women forced the issue by refusing to play without their hijabs against Mongolia.
