The women’s basketball team from the Ronceray-Glonnières district of Le Mans has allowed four Muslim players, aged 14 to 21, to play wearing veils. The players chose to cover their bodies in accordance with their religious beliefs, wearing long-sleeved shirts, leggings, and headscarves. While the team leaders have accepted this choice, it is noteworthy in the context of France, a secular country where religious symbols are generally not allowed in sports competitions.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with playing veiled, including the possibility of strangulation or injury. The debate over the intersection of religion and sports continues, with different schools of thought offering various perspectives, from inclusivism to exclusivism.
The article also raises questions about the practical challenges players may face, such as playing while fasting during Ramadan. The Togolese midfielder Alaixys Romao, playing for Olympique de Marseille (OM), has previously mentioned adapting his fasting during Ramadan to accommodate the heat in France.
