Sporting icons defend 'aurat baring' attire

PETALING JAYA: Sports professionals have come out in defence of the supposedly "revealing outfits" worn by athletes following the furore over gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi's attire at the recently concluded Singapore SEA Games.
Commenting on Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom's statement that the government would review the attire of athletes for syariah compliance, the experts said athletes have to dress according to the requirement of the sports they are participating in.
Malaysian Gymnastics Federation secretary-general N. Shanmugarajah said gymnasts have to comply with international standards where the attire is concerned.
“You have to understand that gymnasts move a lot during their routine. If they wear the wrong attire, it will restrict their movement.
“There is a reason why athletes need to wear leotards, it smoothens their movement and performance as a whole,” he told theSun.
Champion bodybuilder Sazali Abdul Samad said it would be impossible to review the sporting attire of athletes in the context of syariah compliance.
He said the attire worn by athletes were set by the respective sports federations a long time ago, and although some were criticised for being too revealing, it was a requirement for participating athletes.
“Even in bodybuilding, we only wear briefs when competing. But we are required to do so because we are judged based on the curves and quality of our muscles as a whole.
“We can’t be judged if we wear something that covers them up,” he explained in a phone interview with theSun recently.
Former national swimming coach Peh Gin Hai said swimmers can’t wear anything loose, as it adds more weight.
Peh said during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, swimmers wore Speedo swimsuits, a covered-up space-age outfit which gave them an advantage.
“Many records were broken. It was found that the Speedo was the reason for that, and not the athletes’ own performances. Apparently, the suit made them swim faster," he said.
Olympic bronze medalist Pandelela Rinong said athletes are required to wear internationally regulated attire as per the rules of their respective sport.
“It's all about the rules, professionalism, mutual respect and equal treatment among athletes. That’s what makes you international and professional,” she said in a text reply to theSun.
Meanwhile, Olympic Council of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Seri Sieh Kok Chi said sports is a free choice, and that it is up to the athletes to choose.
“You choose the sport, the sport does not choose you.
“Why are those that are not even involved in sports complaining? If they want to make changes, then make them the president of the said sporting associations,” he said.