Imagine the toughest, strongest female badminton player.
Now imagine them wearing a skirt.
Thanks for the Badminton World Federation General Competition Regulations, female players in Level 1-3 tournaments and above (BWF- Grand Prix) will be required to wear a skirt to participate.
Why?
In order to "ensure attractive presentation of Badminton". Apparently, women are only attractive with skirts and/or dresses on.
Badminton has been raising in popularity within these past few years, but they seem to be aiming...a little high. The BWF is probably looking to tennis for inspiration, with models like Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams gracing the covers of fashion magazines. Oddly enough, according to Badzine, even tennis has no restrictions on shorts or skirts.
But see-- BWF doesn't realize that the dress doesn't do much. Maria Sharapova could wear a potato sack and still look good.
This new regulation, taking place on May 1, 2011, will definitely affect a lot of players. Playing with a skirt is much different than playing with shorts. Neither is 'better', but that should only further the argument that choice should be allowed.
Lilyana Natsir...Vita Marissa...I'm sure many others will prefer not to wear skirt.
Viewers will also feel discomfort for professional players who are usually seen wearing shorts. I thought championship badminton was about playing well and racking up the points-- not some fashion show. Besides-- variation on shirt and shorts designs can fix that too, can't they? Looks like there'll be plenty of protest, on and off the court.
"I think I will continue playing wearing shorts", Imogene Bankier told Badzine. You go, girl.
Feels like the 1950's. Let's play with corsets and high heels, too.
Taken from Lapham's Quarterly.
On a brighter note, we'll be able to tell who'll be wearing the pants. Bazing!
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