Salimata Sylla, a French basketball player, is pushing hard to wear a headscarf to the games. “My family, my friends, everyone accepts me as I am because I am the same ‘Sali,” Sylla added, requesting permission.
Salimata Sylla, who continues to play basketball in France, wants to return to official events, where she has been barred from wearing a headscarf since January 8.
Sylla, 25, was born in Paris and began playing basketball 14 years ago with the help of her sisters. She competed in the jersey of Aubervilliers, a 3rd League team.
The French basketball player known as ‘Sali’ stated that he began wearing a headscarf three years ago and has struggled with the sport’s hijab on the pitch.
Sylla stated that she had no problems in her personal or professional life because of her headscarf, saying, “My family, my friends, everyone accepts me as I am because I am the same ‘Sali’.”
Sylla, 25, was born in Paris and began playing basketball 14 years ago with the help of her sisters. She competed in the jersey of Aubervilliers, a 3rd League team.
They said you cannot play
“I’m sorry, Sali,” Sylla remarked to her head coach two minutes before the start of the match in the city of Escaudain, where they traveled to play on January 8, “the referee said you can play, but you can’t play with your headscarf.”
Sylla stated that he discussed this with the referees and that the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) regulation provided him with the reason that “all accessories covering the head are considered ‘unsuitable for the game.'”
Establishing her own league
Sylla explained why she chose to start the “Ball. Her” league after what happened, saying, “I want to create healthy spaces for everyone.” It is impossible for us to be humiliated both on and off the court. As a result, the ‘Ball.Her’ Women’s League is a location where we may enjoy the basketball we pick and enjoy. It’s here to embrace all females without prejudice or unfairness, so we can get it out.”
Despite the fact that French law and the International Basketball Federation have allowed women to play basketball with headscarves since 2017, Sylla noted that she has yet to receive an explanation from the FFBB on why sports headscarves are not permitted in official events.
Sylla noted that women wearing headscarves or sports headscarves in France are prohibited from contests, despite the fact that they can participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which will be held in France next year.
