Most of us would have read the story of Ishwara Chandra Vidyasagar in our school days; the Bengal social reformer who was denied entry to an event as he wore dhoti-kurta and sent out for not being dressed appropriately in a suit and tie. If one were to argue that those yonder days are gone, turn your attention to the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. The series of dress controversies surrounding women players that have erupted will be enough to put all of us to shame.
This year sees a record number of women athletes competing in the international games, about 49 per cent of all athletes. Tokyo Olympic Committee has termed this as the first-ever gender-balanced Olympic game in history. However, before one starts priding themselves, the disputes over what these women players are wearing or not wearing during the sport is appalling.
What have bikinis got to do with a game of beach handball? Well, the international uniform code for beach handball insists that women players show up for the game in bikinis and mid-riff tops while men are allowed to play in shorts and tank tops. Recently, female athletes of the Norwegian team had to shell out a fine of 159 Euros each to the European Handball Federation for choosing to wear shorts instead of bikini bottoms during the game.
Another ridiculous controversy is concerning the hair caps of black women swimmers. Yeah, you heard me right, hair caps? Black women swimmers, because of the nature of their curly hair, were always in need of a larger swimming cap. While a company called Soul Cap was quick enough to address the issue, the International Swimming Federation refused to authorize the brand under the pretext that caps of such size and shape have never been used before. The most preposterous argument put forth by them was that the cap did not “follow the natural form of the head”.
Gymnasts are another breed who are forced to wear leotards as uniforms - dresses that look like swimsuits covering only the upper body. While performing the sport, many young girls are reported to have glued their leotards to their skin to avoid embarrassment. All this is to ensure that they follow the dress code of the game while male gymnasts perform wearing unitards - a full-length dress. As if the rigour of the sport is not enough, should these girls endure the pain of the dress stuck to one’s skin too?
Tennis is another game in which the authorities have overly been concerned about the women’s attire than the game. It was considered “disrespectful” to the game if women did not wear the designated uniform of skirts. Former world champion Serena Williams had to put up a huge fight with the French authorities at the Rolland Garros in 2018 to wear a catsuit that helped avoid blood clots post-pregnancy. However, in 2019, the Women’s Tennis Association introduced a “progressive” dress code of leggings and knee-length compression shorts without skirts.
Well, it is not just always about being over-dressed. Paralympic athlete Olivia Breen was admonished by a female official at the English Championships for wearing briefs that were "too short" and inappropriate during her long jump and advised to wear shorts. The two-time champion was at a loss for words.
Every sport has a committee that frames a dress code. There should be enough player representation from both sexes while drafting these uniform protocols to suit the needs and times and arrive at a common and comfortable dress codes.
It is time to stop sexualizing women in sports, especially when it comes to their attire. While playing a sport, women should be judged for their game and athleticism rather than their femininity. Many women sports players have been the butt of criticism for their colour, attire, hair and skin. It is truly appalling to note that even in this century, authorities are more focused on the dresses of their women players rather than their skill in the game. Guess they need to be reminded of the French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, words:
“What is most important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”
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