American singer and songwriter Pink has offered to pay the fines imposed on the Norwegian women?s handball team by the European Handball Association (EHF). Earlier in July during a tournament in Bulgaria, the team decided to wear shorts instead of Bikini bottoms.
The Norwegians deliberately wore shorts, so they felt more comfortable while playing. This went against the EHF?s uniform regulations for women.
The EHF?s decision to fine the team was met with a lot of criticism on social media. Many ex Olympians and athletes applauded the Norwegian team for their decision to wear shorts.?
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Norwegian team breaks the ?Rules?
The Norwegian Women?s handball team has decided that they will wear shorts going into the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as well. They said they are willing to pay the fines, to pave the way for teams that can not afford to pay these fines.?
Many other teams and coaches have also come out to support the decision of the Norwegians. French National coach Valerie Nicolas has publicly supported their stance. She recalls losing a lot of players who felt uncomfortable, naked, and watched in their uniforms.?
Valerie Nicolas also pointed out that bikini bottoms are uncomfortable for female athletes during menstruation. Lastly, she pointed out how some religions also forbid wearing such uniforms.?
Pink and others praise the Norwegians’ decision?
American Singer-songwriter Pink was the latest icon to support the Norwegian Women?s team. She tweeted out in support of the Norwegians, offering to pay the $1770 fine imposed on them by the EHF. This amount isn?t a big number for the pop star.
https://twitter.com/Pink/status/1419127641068630016?s=20
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Former athletes such as Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, and Kim Clijsters also showed their support for the athletes. In a tweet, Billie Jean King said, ?The Norwegian Women?s Beach Handball team is facing fines for wanting to wear shorts instead of bikini bottoms. The bottoms are not to cover ?more than 10cm on any sides’.
?The men?s team wears shorts.?
?The sexualization of women athletes must stop.?
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Chris Evert also tweeted saying, ?This is SO wrong?. I often wondered about those bikini bottoms ?..?
The Norwegians are competing at the Women?s Beach Handball event. They have already won 2 out of their three preliminary round matches.??
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