 Sexy outfits unnecessary at tables, fans say
By Tan Yingzi (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-23 10:29 The fans have spoken -- when it comes table tennis, skirts do not matter. For several years, the global governing body of the sport, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), has persuaded female paddlers to put on stylish sporting skirts or more sexy shirts, like their counterparts in tennis and badminton, to make the sport more fashionable. But the packed Peking University Gymnasium where the Olympic matches were held this year showed otherwise. Even as most of the female players are trying to change their attitudes and dressing in line with the ITTF's intentions, many fans do not think these moves are necessary. "I want to see a good game, not a sexy one," said Qiu Hao, a middle-aged ping-pong fan, during the final yesterday. "I don't care much about what those women wear, as long as they feel comfortable and confident. I know many female paddlers do prefer shorts, not skirts, when playing the sport, including my 18-year-old daughter." Wan Ningning, a college student at the venue, said she respects those female players with outstanding skills and strong wills, not those who just look attractive. "It is a sport, not a fashion show. We learn sportsmanship from the players and we are inspired by their fighting spirit. I'll look down upon fancily dressed players who perform poorly," she said. (China Daily 08/23/2008 page3) |
