Asian Games: China's Sun Yang Sorry for 'Ugly' Anthem Comment

China's Sun Yang apologised for calling Japan's national anthem "ugly" Friday, averting a fresh row at the Asian Games after Qatar's women's basketball team pulled out in a dispute over their hijabs. (Day 7 Wrap | Highlights | Tally)

The Olympic champion called his comment, made to Chinese journalists in Incheon, a misunderstanding after he starred on the final night in the pool alongside team-mate Ye Shiwen.

"About the anthem, I'm sorry that some media reported that," Olympic champion Sun told reporters after defending his 1,500 metres freestyle title.

"Maybe there was some misunderstanding about that. I don't really know about other countries' anthems," he added. "But every swimmer wants to listen to their own national anthem."

Japan's swimmers and officials had refused to get drawn into a political row. The team's head coach said there had been "no signs of agitation or annoyance" at Sun's remarks.

It avoided fresh controversy at the tournament in Incheon, South Korea after Qatar's women's basketball team flew home because they were not allowed to play wearing headscarves.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) insisted its headwear ban has no "religious connotation" but said it had started a "revision process" after several complaints.

"International tests" on easing the ban may be started in mid-2015, said a FIBA statement.

"While certain groups have interpreted the provisions of the official basketball rules as a ban against the participation of players of certain faiths in basketball competitions, the uniform regulations are of a purely sporting nature," it added.

Qatar, formally listed as "disqualified" from the Asian Games after forfeiting their first two games, were the only Muslim country to enter a women's team.

The headgear rule has already been relaxed at national level after a number of complaints. In July and August, Indian Sikh players were forced to remove their headwear at FIBA events.