New Delhi: Shocked and outraged over the incident where Indian basketball team were not allowed to play with turbans in the Asia Cup held in China recently, Minister of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal the NDA-led government respects all religions and will do everything to ensure that their sentiments do not get hurt.

“We are aware that some players of the Indian basketball team were not allowed to play with turbans in the Asia Cup held in China recently. We are shocked and outraged. We have spoken to Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and sought a detailed report from them,” he said, adding that the ministry has also asked International Olympic Committee (IOC) to issue necessary guidelines/instructions to international sports federations so that such incidents do not take place again.
 

“Our government respects all religions and will do everything to ensure that their sentiments do not get hurt. Wearing a turban does not affect fair play and has not been objected to in international sports championships. Therefore, the latest incident has surprised and shocked us,” he said.