Badminton World Federation implements new rule in dress code for female players – Badminton News
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has set up a new rule in the dressing of female shuttlers and made it compulsory that all women are required to be dressed in skirts, in all super series events to attract the attention of larger crowds.
This rule will be put into practice from the India Open Super Series 2011, starting from April 26.
All female shuttlers from all over the world will be required to follow the instructions regarding the new dress code. However, those female players who want to use shorts are allowed to do so, but only underneath the skirt. Currently, many shuttlers are
wearing shorts along with skirts.
Top shuttler of India, Saina Nehwal, who is also occupying the Third position in the world rankings of Women’s Singles, says that the new rule in dress code does not hold much importance to think about. Nehwal said, “I think its okay. Playing in skirts is
not an issue.”
The top seed in the Women’s Doubles in India, Jwala Gutta, expressed her opinion regarding the dress code and said, “I have no problems because I wear skirts on and off the court. I think they are just trying to glamourise the sport.”
The doubles specialist added, “But I don't think it's the right way. You can't pressurise anybody to wear anything. What kind of clothes a person wears is totally up to them. It's totally a personal choice.”
According to BWF, the change in the rule of dress code will bring healthy results, as it will pull the attention of more fans and sponsors as well. However, many players think that this idea of BWF does not hold weight and is not so convincing, as it is
not the best way to take the game forward.
Severe criticism came from Indonesia, where most of the top female shuttlers are against this rule of BWF. Mixed Doubles top seed, Lilyana Natsir, also said that the BWF should not have made it compulsory to wear a skirt in the tournament. She said that
she uses skirts on particular occasions of social life, but wearing it during matches is not a good move to promote the game.
Lilyana also mentioned that skirts make her movements quite slow and she cannot play comfortably, while wearing them. She tried using skirts in training sessions by wearing shorts underneath it, but could not play as freely as she normally does.
If a sense of disapproval comes in the mind of people, then the new rule should be avoided. Apart from that, if wearing a skirt disturbs the performance of the player, then this regulation should be reviewed by the BWF.
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