Indian women athletes to wear blazers and trousers at 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia

Indian women athletes will not be seen in their usual attire of saris and blazers at 2018 Commonwealth Games and will instead appear in trousers and blazers.

According to an India Express report, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided that the entire Indian contingent, both men and women, will wear navy blue blazers and trousers in Australia.

Many Indian women athletes have in the past complained about the dress code at the opening ceremonies of global sporting events as they have to wear a blazer over the sari. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Indian women wore navy blue blazers with yellow saris.

Commenting on the new dress code for woman athletes, IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta said: "It is a matter of comfort."

“We received feedback that wearing a sari for such a long time isn’t convenient for the athletes. Opening ceremonies usually carry on for four-five hours. Also, they need help to wear it, which complicates things for them. So we have decided that men and women will wear similar clothes for the ceremony," he said.

Indian women have welcomed the change saying it will also save a lot of time. 

“Blazers and trousers are definitely more convenient and will save a lot of time, but, at the same time, one may look like a man. Why not blazers and skirts? It’s more feminine,” Olympian shooter Heena Sidhu said. 

“I’ve worn a sari only at the 2010 CWG and 2010 Asian Games… I had to learn how to drape it from an aunt, and I still couldn’t tie it too well. I had to ask others for help. Some athletes are just not used to wearing a sari,” she said.

Olympian Jwala Gutta said she would prefer sari over trousers and players should be given a choice. 

“I love saris. I always found saris very beautiful and elegant. There are many who are uncomfortable and find it difficult to wear saris. I feel for them. But if given a choice, I’d still prefer a sari. It’s a personal choice,” Gutta said.

“We should be given a choice. There are those who like to wear trousers and those who like to wear saris… We should get the top athletes together — 10 people who they think are sensible and have represented the country for a long time. There’s no harm in taking suggestions,” she said.

A record number of 225 Indian athletes will participate in this year’s Commonwealth Games, which will be held from April 4 to April 15 in Gold Coast, Australia.