BWF pulls up new 'skirt rule' by a month

The introduction of badminton's controversial 'skirt rule' has been postponed by a month to grant female shuttlers more time to adapt to the dress code, the game's governing body said.

The new Badminton World Federation (BWF) code, which requires all female players to wear skirts or dresses in major tournaments in order to "to ensure attractive presentation of badminton" will now be implemented on June 1.

The BWF will talks with the players, some of whom have objected to the principle of making skirts compulsory, saying it hampered their movement on court and made them uncomfortable.

"Sometimes it is necessary to make rules to get a consistent implementation," BWF deputy president Paisan Rangsikitpho said in a statement.

"We are however always willing to listen to the players, which is why we have decided to delay the implementation date ... to be able to advise and have a dialogue with the players on the implementation guidelines."

The rule, which has been criticised by female shuttlers in China, Indonesia and India, allows players to continue to wear shorts provided they are was underneath a skirt.

With the current extension, the rule will now come into implementation in Singapore Open Super Series after the BWF's annual general meeting in Qingdao, China on May 28.