In a scorching Paris, Diaba Konate, wearing her number 23 jersey, greets with enthusiasm near the Louvre. The 23-year-old point guard has returned home after a successful college basketball stint in the United States. She played for Idaho State University and later UC Irvine, helping them reach the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1995.
Konate, a former rising star with the French national youth team, won silver in 3×3 basketball at the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympics. She cherishes this as the best memory of her career and had dreamed of replicating it at the Paris Olympic Games. However, her return is bittersweet as she faces a ban from competing in France due to wearing a hijab.
Last year, Konate discovered she couldn’t play in a 3×3 tournament because of a new rule by the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) that bans any kit with religious or political connotations. Shocked and heartbroken, she couldn’t believe the exclusion from a sport she deeply loves. The ban stems from a 2022 rule change that Konate first encountered during her summer break.
Konate began wearing the hijab during the Covid pandemic, finding solace and identity in her faith. She reflects on the irony of France’s stance on freedom and human rights, feeling it hypocritical to restrict Muslims from expressing their identity. Despite her disappointment, Konate remains hopeful and continues to embrace her faith and passion for basketball.
Latest Developments on the Hijab Ban in Sports
The controversy over hijab bans in sports continues to evolve. Recently, athletes and advocates have been pushing for more inclusive policies globally. Some sports organizations and countries are re-evaluating their stance to promote diversity and inclusion, aligning with international human rights standards.
