Basketball players say allowing headgear empowers the sport

FILE- In this Aug. 8, 2016, file photo, Ibtihaj Muhammad, from United States, waits for match against Olena Kravatska from Ukraine, in the women's saber individual fencing event at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Members of basketball's international governing body are expected to vote to eliminate a rule that bans religious headgear during competition. The vote could come during a meeting on Thursday or Friday, May 5, 2017. Headgear was banned for safety reasons two decades ago out of fear it could fall off, causing a player to slip or become entangled. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian, File) (The Associated Press)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Basketball enthusiasts around the world say a decision to allow players to wear headgear that complies with their religious beliefs will encourage more people to play the sport.

Thursday's ruling by the federation known as FIBA means players can wear hijabs, turbans and yarmulkes following a ban initially imposed for safety reasons. Several major sports federations already allow head covers during matches.

American-Muslim basketball player Indira Kajlo says she had to choose "between playing and not playing" the sport she loved when she decided to wear the hijab a few years ago. She says the decision welcomes a new generation of athletes to play basketball.

Iranian national basketball team player Shadi Abdolvand says the game will now change in Iran and encourage younger players to "pursue their goals more persistently."