Pakistan refuses to obey skirt-rule

Pakistan's female badminton players will not adopt new regulations introduced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) that make it mandatory for them to wear skirts as this is contrary to the principles of their religion, a top official said on Monday.

"World Badminton Federation should not make wearing of skirts by female players mandatory. Our religious beliefs and norms do not allow our lady players to wear skirts," said Syed Naqi Mohsin, senior vice president of the Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF)

Mohsin, also vice president of Badminton Asia Confederation, noted that the BWF had stated that its new regulations will not, in any way, discriminate against any religion or other beliefs.

"How can wearing skirts by Muslim lady players not clash with their religion and other beliefs prevalent in a Muslim country?" he asked.

Pakistani lady players have been playing in international tournaments in trousers.