Controversial skirts-only rule ditched before Games
Source: Agencies |
May 29, 2012, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
BADMINTON'S world body has abandoned plans to force women players to wear skirts in the face of fierce opposition.
The Badminton World Federation sparked uproar last year when it tried to make skirts mandatory for female players in an attempt to attract more fans. But deputy president Paisan Rangsikitpho said the rule, which was criticized by China, Indonesia and India and Malaysia's main Muslim party, had finally been scrapped, two months before the London Games.
"We have shelved the ban (on women wearing shorts)," he said. "We just want to encourage women and men players to dress properly. We want them to dress nicely, professionally."
Jan Lin, BWF media and communications officer, said the drive to look good was intended to win more TV air-time.
"To get more badminton on TV there are as much expectations on the presentation and charisma of the sport," she said. "The onus is on the BWF to get players ready and used to the camera and being in the public eye... TV and sponsors are drawn to stars and icons, looking good on court is one way to be noticed."
The Badminton World Federation sparked uproar last year when it tried to make skirts mandatory for female players in an attempt to attract more fans. But deputy president Paisan Rangsikitpho said the rule, which was criticized by China, Indonesia and India and Malaysia's main Muslim party, had finally been scrapped, two months before the London Games.
"We have shelved the ban (on women wearing shorts)," he said. "We just want to encourage women and men players to dress properly. We want them to dress nicely, professionally."
Jan Lin, BWF media and communications officer, said the drive to look good was intended to win more TV air-time.
"To get more badminton on TV there are as much expectations on the presentation and charisma of the sport," she said. "The onus is on the BWF to get players ready and used to the camera and being in the public eye... TV and sponsors are drawn to stars and icons, looking good on court is one way to be noticed."
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