LAHORE: Pakistan Badminton Federation has said that its female players will not adopt the new regulations of dress code introduced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to wear skirts as it is contrary to the principles of their religion.

The world governing body of badminton will be implementing the rule from June 1 in order “to ensure attractive presentation of badminton”.

“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,” said Syed Naqi Mohsin, Senior Vice President of Pakistan Badminton Federation who is also the Vice President, Badminton Asia Confederation, here on Monday.

He said that although it is stated by BWF that new regulation will not in any way discriminate against any religion or other beliefs, wearing of skirts by females will clash with religious values prevalent in Muslim countries.

“Pakistani female players have been playing in International Tournaments in trousers. They even participated in the Asian Games in the same attire as exemption was given to them in accordance with their Islamic values. The Iranian Girls used to play in trousers with a head scarf also,” he said.

“We have not been sending our female players to big tournaments like the Super Series and Grand Prix but they have participated in the Uber Cup, where this new dress regulation applies.”

He said he was sure lot of female players will willingly adapt the new regulation. However a lot of them will prefer playing in shorts but in the case of players from Islamic countries, it should not be made compulsory, he added.

The rule has also been critisiced by female badminton players in China, Indonesia and India. However, players are allowed to wear shorts underneath the skirt.