Female Badminton Players Forced to Wear Skirts

By Laura Gottesdiener

Badminton is soon to be the new women’s tennis -- at least according the Badminton World Federation, which took the first step toward raising its sport’s profile by requiring female players to wear skirts on the court.

The official outfit policy, which will take will take effect June 1 in time for this summer’s world championships, is "to ensure attractive presentation of badminton," according to a statement by the Badminton World Federation, the sport's international governing body.

But athletes and women’s rights organizations are outraged by the rule. Groups from across the globe have come out against mandating hiked hemlines.

"It’s outlandish that we’re having this conversation in 2011," said Sarah Murray, learn director of Women Win, an Amsterdam-based international women’s rights organization in a telephone interview with HuffPost. "It’s a horrendous policy in general. There’s no other way to look at it other than the sexualization of women athletes."

Opposition has come from all sides of the political and social spectrum, ranging from British Parliamentary leaders to the conservative Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party. The entire Badminton Asia Confederation has come out against the policy. In fact, the Badminton World Federation was so inundated with criticism earlier this spring that it pushed back the policy's initial start date by one month, and rumors now circulate that the rule could be ditched entirely.

For its part, the badminton agency has said it feels misunderstood, having merely tried to implement a dress code that would finally get its players attention from the finicky media.

"It has never been the intention of the BWF to portray women as sexual objects, and nor is that what we are doing," said Paisan Rangsikitpho, deputy president of the organization, in a statement on March 4.

Most sports have some form of mandatory dress codes, either for safety reasons, such as shin guards and helmets, or to protect against cheating, such as special suits in swimming. But critics say that this skirts-only policy has no relevance to the play of the game. Instead, they claim, it caters to a very particular western, heterosexual male audience that likes to see women’s long legs.

"I have no idea what they might have thought they were accomplishing except: lets just show more pretty girls," said Carole Oglesby, who served for 20 years on the International Committee for the Women’s Sports Foundation, the organization founded by Billie Jean King.

The role of sexuality is a constant debate in women’s sports, and athletes often have to walk a fine line between showing enough skin to attract sponsors but not becoming so scantily-clad that they lose respect as athletes (think Anna Kournikova).

It’s a delicate balancing act that some elite athletes, such as the Williams sisters, have championed, turning eye-catching outfits into profitable clothing lines. But others struggle in a system where underfunding and under-representing women's sports are the underlying forces at play.

"It is a conundrum because if female athletes can only pay the bills by modeling, then something’s wrong in the system," ESPN-W senior editor Kathryn Bertine told HuffPost.

The Badminton World Federation was ostensibly trying to walk this fine line with the skirts-only policy, but nearly every women’s advocacy group agrees that the agency fell off the tightrope.

"We’re appalled at the fact that at this time women are being used as sex objects to attract dollars," said Dr. Barbara Drinkwater, the vice president of WomenSport International.

The debate is further complicated by the fact that badminton is popular in countries with large Muslim populations, including India and Pakistan, where women athletes sometimes face a juggling act between their culture and their sport. Both countries have seen a large surge in women’s sports, including badminton, over the last decade, in part due to the influence of Indian tennis player Sania Mirza.

Some say that badminton's new policy could make it more difficult for women athletes in Muslim countries to reconcile religion, culture and sport.

"I am worried about the potential results [of this policy]," said Sertaç Sehlikoglu, a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge and the author of the blog Muslim Women in Sports.

"Muslim women feel empowered, physically stronger and more successful when they participate into sports and they are trying to find ways not to cross the borders of their cultural/religious obligations. The governing bodies should be more supportive for Muslim women to find ways to be able to play sports in accordance with their religious sensitivities, rather than enforcing them to make a choice between the two."

Sehlikoglu expects that some Muslim players will defy the skirts-only policy, although she said that what she’d really wish to see are male players wearing skirts as a response to what she calls the "sexist regulations."

Some prominent players have already spoken out. India’s Saina Nehwal currently ranks fourth internationally in singles, a spot she attained while trouser-clad, and she’s said she’s not happy with the rule.

Similarly, Indian player Jwala Gutta, a gold medalist in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, has come out against the policy, even though she herself often plays in skirts.

In efforts to comply with cultural dress preferences, the Badminton World Foundation has said that the skirts don’t have to be short, although those against the police still bristle at any restriction that is not motivated by an obvious play-related reason.

"There could be incredible pride in a woman in full Hijab winning at the elite level in that outfit," said Murray. "And this policy strips that woman of that choice."

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/18/female-badminton-players-skirts-only_n_863929.html
Special Thanks to Laura Gottesdiener for interviewing with Muslim Women in Sports

Selling bodies or selling sports?

BY KALPANA SHARMA

Give them the choice of dress: Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa in action. Photo: R. Ragu

When a 15-year-old girl from Nizamabad in Andhra Pradesh comes back with a gold medal for, of all sports, boxing, there must be reason to celebrate. In a week dominated with grim news from around the world, the success of young Nikhat Zareen in the Junior World Championships in Antalya, Turkey in the 50 kg category of boxing was like a welcome ray of sunshine.

Nikhat's story, like that of the other three women boxers from India who also won gold, is remarkable for a number of reasons. All of them — besides Nikhat there is Sarjubala Devi from Manipur, Lalenkawli from Mizoram and Minu Basmataray from Assam — have chosen to excel in a sport that is considered “unwomanly”. All of them come from modest backgrounds without the monetary backing to pursue an individual sport of any kind, leave alone boxing. Lalenkawli's parents, for instance, are farmers and she had to travel 300 km to the only training centre in Mizoram's capital, Aizawl. The others also have similar stories.

Relatively lucky

Nikhat is lucky in that her father, Jameel, is a former state-level football player and understands the pull of sports. Neither he, nor his wife Parveen, stood in Nikhat's way when, at the age of 12, she announced that she wanted to box. Her role models were two male cousins who were boxers. She was the only girl who wanted to pursue boxing. Luckily, her uncle, who was training his sons agreed to teach Nikhat. So Nikhat learned to box with the boys. On June 14 she turns 15. In the span of three short years, she has already made a name for herself.
“As a Muslim girl, it was a tough choice to make as everyone questioned what I was doing in the boxing ring,” Nikhat told a journalist. “There were almost no female boxers where I trained in Hyderabad, and I was often alienated.” But she got past this and now joins a remarkable group of Indian women boxers led by the redoubtable Mary Kom from Manipur.

Multiple obstacles

Nikhat's success throws light once again on the vexed issue of women and sports in India. It continues to be an arena of considerable neglect. Sportswomen in this country face an incredibly hard time getting past traditional prejudices about women playing sport. If they succeed, they enter a world dominated by games that men play. Women's sports receives little attention by the media or by the sports authorities compared to the money and time invested in the men. Things change if some women like Nikhat, or the women's hockey team, come back with medals from international fixtures. Fleetingly, they hog the media spotlight. But even before we get to know their names and faces, the focus turns back to the dominant sports. Between tournaments, the women go back to their jobs, usually in institutions like the Railways, and work away until the next big tournament.
Despite all this, it is remarkable that an increasing number of women are making a name for themselves in sports. Women like Saina Nehwal, who has become the face of women's badminton alongside the equally accomplished Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa. But Nikhat is more fortunate than these women in some ways. No one is telling her, yet, what she should wear when boxing. Women badminton players, on the hand, have been slapped with a “skirts only” rule by the men who head the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Why a compulsory dress code only for women players? The BWF, apparently, decided on this course following advice from the sports marketing giant, Octagon. They wanted to make the women's game more “attractive” and “marketable”.
In other words, the BWF wants women badminton players to look more attractive on court. This, they believe, will draw more eyeballs to the game. What about their skills as players? It would appear that does not matter as long as they catch the male gaze. It seems incredible that someone can seriously contemplate such a rule, and that too for these reasons.

Different reactions

Predictably, many women players have raised strong objections. As a result, the rule has been deferred by a month. Britain's leading mixed doubles player, Imogen Bankier has said, “I will fight to make sure this dated and simply sexist rule does not happen.” Several players from different countries have said that skirts will come in the way when they play and they prefer shorts. The Indian girls have not been so forthright. While Saina has said it was not an issue, Jwala has emphasised that they should be given the choice whether to wear skirts or not.
But what is really troubling about the decision is the blatant effort to use women's bodies to sell the game. And for this, the cue has been taken from women's tennis, where glamour has played a big role in drawing an audience. But there is a big difference. The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) is managed independently and women players have a say in its decisions. Thus, what women wear is decided by women players and not imposed by a male club. If women tennis players choose to be seen as fashion statements, it is their choice. But it has not diminished the power of their game. Maria Sharapova might look like a model but no one can question her skill as a player. Ditto Venus Williams. While those like Anna Kournikova, who drew attention only for their looks, have fallen by the wayside because their game was not up to the mark. People come to watch good tennis, not to gawk at women players who are fashion statements.
It is tragic that at a time when more opportunities are opening up for women, they are told they must “sell” themselves, make themselves “marketable” if they want to get financial backing for their chosen sport. Men too face the pressure of finding sponsors. But they are not asked to dress in a way that shows off their well-toned bodies and attracts female fans. While it is true that there are both men and women who go to watch football, cricket or tennis matches because they find the players good-looking, surely they will not persist unless they also enjoy the game.

As the lines between commerce, entertainment and sports disappear, young women wanting to make a career in sports face tough choices. If they don't have money, they can't train the way they need to succeed. But if they concentrate on looking presentable and finding endorsements, they are likely to be dismissed as being non-serious and in it only for the glamour. The bottom-line, however, is that those who manage a sport must respect sportswomen and give them the freedom to choose how much they bend to these commercial demands. It is unacceptable that a group of men decide how they should dress on court for no other reason than to make them “marketable”.

Email the writer: sharma.kalpana@yahoo.com. Source: http://www.thehindu.com/arts/magazine/article2018584.ece

Pakistan official lashes out at skirt rule

By Umar Farooq

New badminton ruling irks Pakistan.

LAHORE: 

Badminton Asia Confederation Vice-President Syed Naqi Mohsin lashed out at the sport’s governing body for introducing the rule forcing female players to wear skirts.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF), in a bid to raise the profile of women and the sport, has decided to make the skirt-rule compulsory for all female players from June 1.

However, the decision met with criticism from Muslim countries and Mohsin said that the rule is discriminatory.

“The BWF states that the new regulation will not discriminate against any religion or beliefs,” said Mohsin. “How can wearing skirts not clash with the religious beliefs of female Muslim players?”

The BWF, however, has defended its decision and said that female players can wear shorts ‘if they wish’ but also ‘wear a skirt over the shorts as is practiced already by some players’.

Mohsin, a Pakistan member in the Asian body, said that players have been wearing trousers for some time and that attire was approved.

“Pakistan players have been playing in international tournaments in trousers,” said Mohsin. “They even participated in the Asian Games in the same attire as they were exempted keeping in view their religion. The Iranians used to play in trousers with a head scarf as well and there was no issue then.

“We’ve not been sending our female players to big tournaments like the Super Series and the Grand Prix but they did participate in the Uber Cup, where this new dress regulation will apply now.”

He added that though some players might be willing to wear skirts, the rule should not be made compulsory since it clashes with religious beliefs of some players.  “I’m sure a lot of players will willingly adapt the new rule.  But quite a lot will not be comfortable so it should not be made compulsory.”

The BWF last month suspended the Pakistan’s Badminton Federation (PBF) over the controversy of parallel bodies running in the country. The world body demanded an election be held before Pakistan could become a member again and is therefore in no position to take up the matter of the new rule just yet. However, the Punjab Badminton Secretary Tayyab Sohail said the matter would be discussed as soon as Pakistan regains its status.

“We currently have no federation to represent us but within the next month, Pakistan will become a member and take up the matter,” said Sohail.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2011.

Source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/156475/pakistan-official-lashes-out-at-skirt-rule/

Pak female shuttlers will not wear skirts: PBF

Lahore, Apr 27 (PTI) Pakistan Badminton Federation has challenged the decision of the sport's world governing body to make it compulsory for the female players to wear skirts in international events, saying the new ruling is contrary to the principles of their religion. Naqi Mohsin, senior vice-president of PBF who is also the vice-president, Badminton Asia Confederation, today said that the new regulation by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) was discriminatory and would not be accepted by most Muslim countries. "At the moment, the BWF has suspended the membership of Pakistan due to existence of parallel bodies but once this matter is sorted out we will take up this issue in the Asian and World bodies. "World Badminton should not make wearing of skirts by female players mandatory. Our religious beliefs and norms do not allow our female players to wear skirts," Mohsin said. The BWF, in its bid to raise the profile of the game, has decided to make the skirt-rule compulsory for all female players from June 1. However, the decision met with criticism from Muslim countries and Mohsin said the rule would be difficult to implement. The new rule created uproar in India also with former and current players saying such an unfair move could discourage girls from taking up the sport. "The BWF states that the new regulation will not discriminate against any religion or beliefs. How can wearing skirts not clash with the religious beliefs of female Muslim players?" Mohsin questioned. The BWF, however, has defended its decision and said that female players can wear shorts 'if they wish' but it has to be underneath a skirt. Mohsin said that players have been wearing trousers for some time and that attire was approved. "Pakistan players have been playing in international tournaments in trousers. They even participated in the Asian Games in the same attire as they were exempted keeping in view their religion. The Iranians used to play in trousers with a head scarf as well and there was no issue then. "We've not been sending our female players to big tournaments like the Super Series and the Grand Prix but they did participate in the Uber Cup, where this new dress regulation will apply now," he said. He added that though some players might be willing to wear skirts, the rule should not be made compulsory since it clashes with religious beliefs of some players. "I am sure a lot of players will willingly adapt to new rules. But quite a lot will not be comfortable so it should not be made compulsory." PTI Corr SHN

Source: http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/pak-female-shuttlers-will-not-wear-skirts-pbf/663609.html

Sports hijab lets Islamic women throw some punches

Letting out shrill cries, several young women in a Montreal taekwondo class kicked their way through the exercises, not a hair out of place as they were demurely covered by an Islamic sports hijab.

Elham Seyed Javad (C), seen here posing with a taekwondo team in Montreal wearing a sport hijab she created to allow the young girls of the muslim taekwondo team to take part in the competitions. Their federation have excluded them because of their traditional hijab, deemed contrary to the security rules.

Their religion prohibits these female athletes from showing off their firm physiques, or their hair. Yet Western society also frowns on the wearing of traditional Muslim headscarves in sports competitions.

So Iranian-born Canadian designer Elham Seyed Javad came up with an idea to marry the two worlds and allow young girls and women to take part in physical activities while also adhering to strict Islamic rules.

And the order books for the 27-year-old's start-up are fast filling up with calls for her head coverings arriving from around the world including Japan, Germany and Australia.

The company iQO Design is now eyeing a lucrative contract to supply the Iranian women's football team, with the aim that they will be worn during the next Olympic Games.

The idea came to the young designer in 2007 after five young Muslim women were thrown out of a Montreal taekwondo tournament because their headscarves were deemed by the sports federation to be dangerous.

Seyed Javad, who was studying industrial design at the University of Montreal at the time, was outraged but instead of protesting decided to find a solution.

At school, she designed a slip-on hooded t-shirt made of stretch fabric. The university immediately seized on its potential: its agency for commercializing its scientific discoveries and inventions filed patents for the sports hijab on her behalf in Canada and the United States.

Made of a fabric that moves perspiration away from the body, the garment slips on like a balaclava and is tied at the back. "It's much less hot, and it stays in place," says trainer Gaelle Texier. And, she adds, it doesn't mess up your hair.

"It's a compromise," said taekwondo student Asmaa Ibnouzahir. "It allows us to play the sports we enjoy, that we were doing but were forced to quit."

The university's commercial unit, Univalor, said it has even greater potential.

"Of course we looked to market it to young Muslim women in sports, but also for F1 racing, go-carting, and hospital operating rooms," said Univalor's Thomas Martinuzzo.

It is not just for athletes, he explains. An Australian policewoman, for example, recently started wearing one as part of a trial.

"My goal is to separate the religious connotation from the sports connotation," said Seyed Javad. "So when other organizations approach us, it's very positive because the religious aspect is not linked to the garment."

The so-called ResportOn is currently sold for 63 dollars (44 euros) over the Internet.

Each prototype is designed and sewn in a Montreal studio, adapted to suit the particular circumstances of each customer. But Javad is already dreaming big, and hopes one day to sell the garment in sports stores everywhere.

Since the ResportOn first went on sale in November interest has skyrocketed, attracting attention from 170 cities around the world.

The start-up behind it has also partnered with an investor and recruited a sales representative in Iran.

The company is now pitching its wares to hospitals and racing drivers, as well as people with dreadlocks who want to keep their prized hairdos in place even when out on the sports field.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/236851/sports-hijab-lets-islamic-women-throw-some-punches

The Role of Sports in Muslim Communities

By Ali Maki

It seems today that many Muslims are struggling to integrate western culture with Islamic culture. For the most part, what is acceptable by modern culture and Islam are completely different, and trying to manage this fact is an issue for many. One example is sports, which some consider as a waste of time due to the fact that time can be spent on more important activities in life. However, watching and playing sports are very important parts of society and Islamic culture – so much so that even Hadiths encourage participating in sports because of the healthy benefits. Benefits could include improved health and improved parent-child relations.

Obesity has skyrocketed within our community amongst the youth and elderly. The age of processed food and drink containing high fructose corn syrup has been immensely attributed to this rise. Yet completely preventing ourselves from consuming these foods may be a bit extreme since we have a natural need for such foods. The age of inactivity amongst youth has become an alarming trend. Youth would prefer to play video games or watch television regardless of the weather outdoors. Countering this behavior starts at a young age. Many communities have after-school programs such as soccer, basketball and football for kids as young as five years old. Children are known to be affected by events early in their lives and as a result are easy to be "programmed". Involving children in athletic programs from a young age could very well result in healthier lifestyles in the future.

Whether it is picking up a sport as a hobby or working out, staying active is an important way of managing stress. Physical activity is a known to increase the body's production of neurotransmitter endorphins, which are considered the brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitter. Physical activity is also known to counter the symptoms of mild depression and anxiety.

Social issues such a pre-marital sex, substance abuse and a host of other issues have also arisen in our communities. On an individual level, enrolling children and teens in after-school programs can be a way of keeping children away from the wrong crowds that may influence them into partaking in un-Islamic actions. On a communal level, participating in sports is an effective way of grooming children into becoming better individuals Islamically, and organizers in some Muslim communities have had success with such programs. Catering to the high interest in sports amongst youth coupled with the thirst for knowledge from short Islamic lectures has resulted in excellent mentoring sessions for young Muslims. These programs allow youth to participate in physical activity and build themselves as individuals over time, with the aid of mentors who can relate to young Muslims and who have dealt with the temptations of today's society.

A lot of talk about social issues in our communities revolves around the actions of the youth, but what seems to be neglected is the sense of disconnect between parents and children, and that impacts the actions of the youth. There is a big cultural gap between the older generation from the East and the younger generation from the West, resulting in less "bonding time" between parents and their children. It's important for future parents to take this issue into consideration when raising a child. Since a teen's friends are the ones they can mostly relate to, they end up following the actions of their friends even if it involves partaking in un-Islamic actions. Having a similar hobby such as playing a sport or watching a game can prove critical in the upbringing of a child. When a child and parent have bonding time due to a common hobby, a friendship is established which would allow the parent to also serve as a friend who the child can talk to.

Sports and activities should play an important role in our Islamic societies. The benefits of sports can lead to a healthier Islamic society on a social level and a healthier lifestyle for individuals.
Source: http://islamicinsights.com/entertainment/sports/the-role-of-sports-in-muslim-communities.html

Badminton's skirt rules cause unease

A new ruling that requires female badminton players to wear skirts on court is causing unease among players as they prepare to adopt the new compulsory dress code.

Diju Valiyaveetil, right, and Jwala Gutta of India play a World Badminton Championships match against Poland in Hyderbad in 2009. A new ruling that requires female badminton players to wear skirts on court is causing unease among players as they prepare to adopt the new compulsory dress code.

The Indian Open, which begins next Tuesday, will be the last tournament in which women can wear shorts on court before the skirt requirement comes into force on May 1.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced the change in 2009 in a bid to boost the sport's profile among viewers and sponsors.

Doubles specialist and Indian glamour girl Jwala Gutta, who has always played in skirts, said the new dress code might help to raise interest but players should not be forced to conform.

"You cannot make it compulsory for everyone to wear skirts. It depends on each individual and their comfortable level. I am not sure people will like being told what to wear and what not to," she said.

World number three Saina Nehwal, the top seed at the April 26-May 1 Indian Open, is one of the many players in India who prefers to wear shorts on court.

Gutta, who won the Commonwealth Games gold last year with her partner Ashwini Ponnapa, endorsed efforts to make the sport more glamorous.

She said that interest in tennis was greater partly because of the attraction of female stars such as Maria Sharapova or the Williams sisters, whose on-court outfits are often as remarked about as their game.

India's top female tennis player Sania Mirza came under fire from Muslim clerics four years back for wearing short skirts on court.

"Anything that helps makes the sport attractive should be welcomed," said the 27-year-old Gutta, whose eye-catching looks and daring dress sense on and off court have won her a loyal following at home.

"But instead of enforcing rules on players, the federation should ask sponsors to come up with innovative dresses.

"You can add a lot of colour, experiment with styling and stuff like that. That way it will ensure players' comfort and take care of the glamour aspect as well."

Another Indian player, who asked not to be named, said she was uncomfortable with the new ruling.

"I wear skirts or dresses only on special occasions, but never in tournaments," she said. "Skirts hamper my movement when I play."

Despite rapid modernisation, India remains a generally conservative country where public displays of sexuality are taboo and women are expected to dress modestly.
Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/232468/badminton-new-skirt-rules-cause-unease

Badminton star Jwala Gutta smashes compulsory skirt rule

A new ruling that requires female badminton players to wear skirts on court is causing unease among players as they prepare to adopt the new compulsory dress code.

The Indian Open Super Series, which begins next Tuesday, will be the last tournament in which women can wear shorts on court before the skirt requirement comes into force on May 1.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced the change in 2009 in a bid to boost the sport's profile among viewers and sponsors.

Doubles specialist and glamour girl Jwala Gutta, who has always played in skirts, said the new dress code might help to raise interest but players should not be forced to conform.

Doubles player Jwala Gutta feels that players should not be forced to wear skirts.

"You cannot make it compulsory for everyone to wear skirts. It depends on each individual and their comfortable level. I am not sure people will like being told what to wear and what not to," she said.

World number three Saina Nehwal, the top seed at the April 26- May 1 India Open Super Series, is one of the many players who prefers to wear shorts on court. Gutta, who won the Commonwealth Games gold last year with Ashwini Ponnapa, endorsed efforts to make the sport more glamourous.

She said that interest in tennis was greater partly because of the attraction of female stars such as Maria Sharapova or the Williams sisters, whose on- court outfits are often as remarked about as their game.

Ace tennis player Sania Mirza came under fire from muslim clerics four years back for wear- ing short skirts on court.

"Anything that helps makes the sport attractive should be welcomed," said the 27-year-old Gutta, whose eye- catching looks and daring dress sense on and off court have won her a loyal following at home. " But instead of enforcing rules on players, the federation should ask sponsors to come up with innovative dresses.

You can add a lot of colour, experiment with styling and stuff like that. That way it will ensure players' comfort and take care of the glamour aspect as well." Another Indian player, who asked not to be named, said she was uncomfortable with the new ruling. " I wear skirts or dresses only on special occasions, but never in tournaments," she said.

"Skirts hamper my movement when I play."

ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

India's young brigade, including Sai Praneeth and Saurabh Verma, will look to create a few upsets when they take on their higher- ranked opponents in the Asian Badminton Championship starting on Tuesday in ChengDu, China.

The Indian team, besides Ajay Jayaram who pulled out at the last moment due to injury, will be led by Praneeth and Saurabh in the men's singles and the duo would hope to make their presence felt in the prestigious international tournament.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/shuttler-jwala-gutta-smashes-skirt-rule/1/135649.html