Badminton World Federation defends new skirt requirement for women | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

A new rule requiring women to wear skirts on the court has been misunderstood, the Badminton World Federation said in a statement Wednesday.

“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.

According to Rangsikitpho, the“aesthetic and stylish presentation” of players is an important factor in the organization's attempt to increase the popularity of the sport.“The clothing regulation is yet another example of how BWF are putting focus on the women's game to raise the profile,” he said of the rule that is to take effect at international events on June 1.

In other words, forcing women to wear skirts to help market the sport isn't sexist at all.

Some players, including world No. 9 Tine Baun of Denmark, aren't buying it.

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