Indian women shuttlers express reservations on new dress code
April 19th, 2011 - 8:58 pm ICT by IANSNew Delhi, April 19 (IANS) Indian women shuttlers Tuesday expressed reservations on the the Badminton World Federation (BWF) initiative to glamorise the sport by making it compulsory to wear skirts on the court.
The new dress code comes into effect from May 1 and it requires the players to wear skirts or dresses in Grand Prix events and above.
India’s highest ranked women’s player and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jwala Gutta said the new dress code will not affect her as she is used to wearing skirts but will bother those who are used to wearing long shorts.
“I am comfortable with skirts and dresses both. But other players might not be comfortable doing the same. A lot of them wear shorts as they find comfort in that,” Jwala told IANS.
“It is good that the world body wants to glamorise the sport but you can’t impose what to wear and what not wear to anyone. We have a right to choose what to wear.”
Saina Nehwal, who generally wears shorts, however said she does not have any problem with the new ruling.
“It is not an issue. It is always difficult to accept something new,” he said.
Jwala’s doubles partner Ashwini Ponappa concurred with her teammate’s views.
“I feel happy about the new code as I am comfortable wearing it. But I know a lot of girls would not be comfortable. It is quite interesting for those who like it,” Ponnappa said.
“A lot of Indian players like wearing shorts as they have always played with shorts but now they will have to wear skirts, something which they are not used to,” she added.
This apex body’s decision to popularise can be linked to tennis in which women players are seen wearing designer and colourful outfits on the court.
Jwala, suggested, rather than forcing players to wear skirts, the BWF should tell the sponsors to start making designer dresses.
“The federation should have tell all the sponsors to start making colourful dresses for the players. This is one way we can glamorise the sport. But I still feel players who are not comfortable with it should not be forced,” she said.
- Don't force badminton dress code: Women's panel - Apr 19, 2011
- Jwala eyeing London berth with good run at India Open - Apr 24, 2012
- Pak women shuttlers not to wear skirts due to 'religious norms': PBF - Apr 26, 2011
- Not going to London to make up numbers: Kashyap - Apr 28, 2012
- Qualifying for Olympics is priority: Ponnappa - Apr 25, 2011
- Jwala Gutta wants domestic badminton beefed up - Dec 21, 2010
- Mary Kom lauds AIBA for leaving shorts-skirts choice to boxers - Mar 02, 2012
- Korea Open: Saina advances to quarters - Jan 05, 2012
- It's my happiest moment: Badminton coach Arif (With Images) - Jan 25, 2012
- Gold medallist Jwala slams badminton chief for indifferent treatment - Oct 14, 2010
- CWG badminton: Jwala, Ashwini hope their feat will make doubles popular - Oct 14, 2010
- India Open Super Series: Sourabh, Sai Datt keep India's hopes alive (Lead) - Apr 28, 2011
- CWG: Mixed day for India, first dope case hits Games (Evening Lead) - Oct 11, 2010
- CWG badminton: Saina leads Indian pack in quarter-finals - Oct 11, 2010
- Indian badminton team for CWG announced - Sep 02, 2010
Tags: apex, apex body, badminton world federation bwf, colourful dresses, commonwealth games gold, designer dresses, dress code, express reservations, gold medallist, gutta, indian women, jwala, New Delhi, new dress, ranked women, shuttlers, teammate, wearing skirts, women players, world federation