Wrestling News: Headgear heartbreak delays Jassa Patti's global debut

Once again an Indian sportsperson has become the victim of discrimination because of his religion and India’s biggest ‘dangal’ star Jashkawar Gill failed to make his much-awaited international debut after organisers of a world ranking tournament in Turkey didn’t allow him to take the mat wearing his patka. Earlier in June, Indian chess star Soumya Swaminathan pulled out of Iran championship over compulsory headscarf rule. According to the International wrestling rules, players are allowed to wear headgear that doesn’t harm opponents during bouts. But referee insisted that Gill should tie his hair like women competitors, and the 25-year-old Sikh wrestler’s refusal citing religious beliefs, resulted in a walkover for his first-round rival. Indian officials accompanying the squad said their pleas went unheard as the international body, United World Wrestling and the host association in Turkey indulged in a blame game. Gill, who is also called Jassa Patti and stands out in the mud-wrestling circuit for his wrestling skills and trademark ear-covering patka, said that if similar treatment was served to him in future as well then he would definitely fight back instead of backing out. The wrestler seeks Sports Ministry's intervention in the matter. Earlier, two Sikh players - Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh - were also asked to remove their turbans before the start of the match in 2014 . They were stopped from entering the court moments before India were to open their campaign against Japan in FIBA Cup but later, the rules were relaxed. Reacting to the matter, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore said that the government would look into the matter.