Female boxers can wear skirts or shorts for London 2012 Olympics – Boxing News
The International Amateur Boxing Association made a couple of changes to its rules on Thursday. One of the most notable changes was in the Competition Uniform section. According to the amendment made, female boxers will be allowed to wear shorts or skirts
for the London Olympics 2012.
It should be noted here that no specifications on the length of the skirt or short has been mentioned. IN addition, the AIBA has given the option to female boxers to wear skirts or shorts, but it is not mandatory. The amendment was made based on the recent
criticism and sexism charges the AIBA faced when officials tried making it mandatory for women boxers to wear skirts.
Previously, Wu Ching-Kuo, President of AIBA, said fans have complained of not being able to distinguish men from women when they wore protective gear. After the criticism the AIBA received from women athletes worldwide, officials clarified that they had
never made it mandatory for women boxers to wear skirts instead they always thought of it as an option for those who want to.
The AIBA was a bit victorious when fighters from Poland and Romania wore skirts in the European Championships last year. Also, well-known Indian boxer Mary Kom said she did not find anything wrong with wearing skirts. With all of this, things got better
to quite an extent. However, surprisingly most Western fighters did not accept the suggestion calling it ‘sexist’. Even Katie Taylor, three-time world champion, called the decision ‘sexist’.
On the other hand, six-time US champion Marlen Esparza paid little heed to the issue saying she would think about it if the AIBA recommends it.
As of now, the amendment has been made to the rule and female boxers will be able to wear shorts or skirts if they wish to. AIBA officials have clearly stated that wearing shorts and skirts is not mandatory and those who do not want to wear it are free to
do so. In addition, the AIBA is also proud of making women’s boxing a part of Olympics to cherish the potential in the sport and give it more exposure.
Tags: