Badminton shocker: Female players to adhere to a new skirts-only ruling
Some have complained a skirt hampers movement and is uncomfortable on court.Only skirts need apply ...
In a bid to sex up the sport of badminton, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has implemented a new code requiring all female players to wear skirts in major tournaments from June 1 in order "to ensure [the] attractive presentation of badminton."
The controversial ruling -- which has already been delayed a month -- will come into play at the Li Ning Singapore Open, which will be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from June 14 to 19.
According to a report by TODAY, the mandatory ruling has been criticized by female shuttlers in China, Indonesia and India, some commenting that a skirt is uncomfortable and hampers movement on court.
"You cannot make it compulsory for everyone to wear skirts," said India's doubles specialist Jwala Gutta.
"It depends on each individual and their comfort level. I am not sure people will like being told what to wear and what not to."
In response, the BWF has responded that players can continue to wear shorts, but only underneath a skirt, and continues to maintain that the skirt requirement does not "in any way discriminate against any religious or other beliefs and respects women."
