KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Badminton's governing body has denied it was being sexist by ordering women players to wear skirts.
A new on-court clothing rule has been misinterpreted, the Badminton World Federation said in a statement on Wednesday.
"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.
