Sufferin’ shuttlecock!

Badminton’s governing body is defending a new rule that orders female players to wear skirts. The new on-court clothing rule has been misinterpreted, the Badminton World Federation said in a statement last week. “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 on June 1. World No. 9 Tine Baun of Denmark said clothing should be a personal choice. “Can you ask men to wear a particular dress and play?” Baun told the Times of India. “Each player knows his or her comfort level and you should not decide what is good for them.” – Associated Press