Badminton chiefs have been criticised over plans for a ‘sexist’ dress code at the
London Olympics, which would force female players to wear skirts instead of shorts.
The rules would also come into affect at this summer’s world championships, and
players breaking the rules would face a fine.
Badminton World Federation chiefs have proposed the skirts-only policy following
advice from sports marketing giant Octagon. The bosses believe that the dress code
will boost audiences for the women’s game. But the new rules have been delayed
following protests by the sport’s leading players.
Imogen Bankier, one of Britain’s top mixed doubles’ players, said: ‘I will fight to make
sure this dated and simply sexist rule does not happen.’
Olympic medalist Gail Emms, who won silver in the mixed doubles with Nathan
Robertson, is expected to speak out against the dress code, whilst the sport’s governing body
in the UK is expected to defend women’s right to choose. Details of the maximum
skirt lengths will be agreed if the council of Badminton England approves the new
rules.
Olympics minister Hugh Robertson defended the plans: ‘Athletes should be the ones
who decide what they wear on court. This is not a very 21st-century approach.’
Women who would like to continue wearing shorts will be able to do so if they
are hidden under a skirt. Longer Lycra shorts will also be permitted to minimize
hamstring injuries.
Darren Parks, the Federation’s events director, argued that the dress code is part of
raising the profile of the sport and its top female players. Despite calls from Muslim
players, the dress code would not discriminate against cultural or religious beliefs.
