Badminton World Federation still under criticism for changes in female dress codes – Badminton News
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is still under fire by many female shuttlers due to the changed rules in their dress code. BWF has made it compulsory that every female player will wear skirts, instead of wearing shorts in all major international events.
This rule will be implemented even on 13-year-old youngsters, who are currently using shorts in international competitions. The new rule is getting a severe response and is being labelled as a backward rule. This new amendments will be put into practice
from June 1.
Many sporting groups of women have severely criticised the rule and hold the opinion that the BWF is discriminating young female shuttlers, which is against the ethics of the game.
President of Badminton Australia, Geraldine Brown expressed that there will be about 20 female shuttlers, who will be affected by this new rule. Among these 20 shuttlers, eight girls are under training in the junior squad of 13-16 years of age.
Brown said, “Competitors shouldn’t be forced to wear things that may be against their personal or religious beliefs.”
Janice Crosswhite, who is the president of Australian Women in Sports and Recreational Association also condemned this rule and termed it as a backward step. Janice added, “They’re trying to glamorise sport by stripping away layers of clothing. It’s reactionary
and out of date.”
Coach of Badminton Academy of Victoria, Lenny Permana said that the new rule should not be implemented on a compulsory basis. Permana elaborated and said, “I always wore shorts in competition and think it’s better if players can chose.”
Victoria Na, a 20-year-old female, who will participate in next week’s Sudirman Cup, said that the choice should be given to the shuttlers to wear whatever they like. Victoria said, “I’ve never worn a skirt in competition so it’s new to me but I’m all right
with it. There are other girls who only wear shorts and I don’t know if they’ll like it.”
The BWF is not giving any importance to the opinion of female shuttlers who have voiced from all over the world and the Federation remains adamant to put the skirt rule in practice from June 1.
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