The Qatari women's basketball team withdrew from the Asian Games in a protest against international rules that ban players from wearing Muslim headscarves in competition.
The dispute over the Qatari players' refusal to remove their hijabs - regarded by some as a rule that discriminates against Muslim women - has created a major stir at the games and raised new questions about rules banning the head coverings.
Qatar delegation leader Khalid al-Jabir said the team had decided to withdraw and was already preparing to return home.