Pakistan Badminton Federation has said that its female players will not adopt the new regulations of dress introduced by Badminton World Federation to wear shirts as it is contrary to the principles of their religion.
" World Badminton should not make wearing of skirts by female players mandatory. Our religion beliefs and norms do not allow our lady 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 Badminton World Federation (BWF) that new regulation will not in any way discriminate against any religion or other beliefs, how can wearing skirts by Muslim lady players not clash with religion and other beliefs prevalent in a Muslim country.
" Pakistani lady players have been playing in International Tournaments in trousers. They even participate in Asian Games in the same attire as exemption was given to them in defiance to their Islamic behaviours. The Iranian Girls used to play in trousers with a head scarf also," he said adding " We have not been sending our lady players to big tournaments like Super Series and Grand Pirx but they have participated in Uber Cup, where this new dress regulation apply".
He said he was sure lot of lady players will willingly adapt playing in skirts. However lot of them will prefer in playing in shorts in which they feel more comfortable, but in the case of players from Islamic countries, it should not be made compulsory, he added.