If it's not sexist, why dun the guys have to wear skirts? Or capes! :D

Badminton federation defends new rule that orders women to wear skirts

This is so stupid -_-;; And baffling. What's the point of that?

Badminton’s governing body has denied it was being sexist by ordering women players to wear skirts.

Then make men wear skirts too. If it's not sexist, then it should be for both right? :o

“It has never been the intention of the BWF to portray women as sexual objects, and nor is that what we are doing,” deputy president Paisan Rangsikitpho said.

Some players have opposed the new rule, which will take effect at international events from June 1, and apply at the world championships in London from Aug. 8-14 and the Olympics next year.

Rangsikitpho said women could continue to wear shorts, tights or tracksuit bottoms beneath the mandatory skirt.

“Players can still wear all of the above and from the guidelines it should be clear that these do not push any women to wear clothing they are not comfortable with,” he said.

The “esthetic and stylish presentation” of players was an important factor in increasing badminton’s popularity, Rangsikitpho added.

“The clothing regulation is yet another example of how BWF are putting focus on the women’s game to raise the profile.”

The BWF said it already offered equal prize money for men and women.

The ruling was delayed by one month until after the federation’s annual meeting in Qingdao, China, allowing members to “fully understand the reasons” behind its introduction.

I'd like to know these reasons too -_-;; This makes ZERO sense to me. Esp the "they can keep wearing shorts and tights under the skirts". So what's the point of making them wear skirts then!? Extra wind resistance? -_-;; Why not make men wear skirts too? Or capes! That's just as meaningful! If women are still wearing tights and shorts under their skirts is that REALLY MAKING THEM MORE ATTRACTIVE TO AUDIENCES!? At least if you feel you need to sell the sport on the legs of your female players then actually go DO IT and take the heat.. this seems bizarre... -_-;;

Also will ppl ACTUALLY watch badminton more based on women wearing skirts? o_O Were they looking at Sharapova in tennis and thinking "we could get to that level! There'd be tons and tons of American men watching badminton if they thought our women were in skirts!" I dunno... o_O but I know for sure that skirts over tights and shorts wun do nething -_-;; Are they hoping that it'd be so redundant and warm that ppl will just take off the tights and shorts? -_-;; In which case, cowardly rule here... just out and out admit "we need your legs! you're models first, players second" >_>;;;

This just seems bizarre -_-;;

I still am all for a rule where guys must wear capes now :D But they can still wear a shirt underneath... so it's not sexist xD