KUALA LUMPUR: The bikini is out, at least for women athletes from more conservative countries. Women here in Malaysia have praised a decision from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to allow female players to wear shorts and sleeved tops instead of bikinis at the Olympics. The decision, Malaysian women told Bikyamasr.com, is a welcome change that gives more freedom to women from conservative countries, or women who do not feel comfortable with the two-piece bikini. “I think it is a right decision because it will allow more women to join the sport,” said Malaysian youth volleyball coach in Kuala Lumpur Sara Daret, who added to Bikyamasr.com that “the bikini is still the best thing to wear because it gives freedom of movement that shorts and sleeves don't, but it should not be the decision of a committee for what women wear.” The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) said it wanted participants to have options to cover up more. Bikinis have helped define the sport but the FIVB wants to respect the cultural beliefs of various countries. “Many of these countries have religious and cultural requirements so the uniform needed to be more flexible.” said FIVB spokesman Richard Baker. The modified rule permits “shorts of a maximum length of (1.18 inches) above the knee, and sleeved or sleeveless tops.” The women's Olympic beach volleyball tournament will be played between 28 July and 12 August in a specially created stadium at Horse Guards Parade near Buckingham Palace.
