White shorts in women's sports – with concerns about bleeding when players are menstruating – have been debated for a long time.
But even though they have been abolished in many places, they are still present in handball.
Ahead of the World Cup, which starts this week, the Scandinavian federations therefore came together and demanded a change.
"I hate white shorts," Norwegian star Veronica Kristiansen told NRK earlier this fall.
Personally, I find it both embarrassing and embarrassing, and it (the menstrual cycle) is something you can't control. So, away with the white shorts, please.
Step back
It is worth noting that the Hungarian major team Györi, where Kristiansen plays, changed from green to white shorts in the first team before the season.
A step back, it might seem?
Absolutely, says Nathalie Hagman, a regular teammate of the Norwegian in Györi.
I find it very difficult to see how such a simple thing can't just be changed. Considering how hard it is for girls to play in white shorts, it should be very easy.
Even in other sports, white shorts are still worn in many places. However, some teams and national teams have come a long way.
Among the football teams that have dropped the white shorts are, for example, both the Danish and English national teams, as well as club teams such as Manchester City in England and Rosengård in Sweden.
Even in tennis, the dress code has been up and in 2023, the classic Wimbledon changed its dress code and allowed female players to wear dark underwear.
"I'm behind it. It's a big relief. I had my period last year during Wimbledon and it was very stressful," said then-world number four Coco Gauff.
“Unnecessary worry”
According to the International Handball Federation (IHF), the demand from Norway, Denmark and Sweden came too late for this year's World Cup, which begins this week. However, the federation has promised to try to prioritize the darker shorts options when, for example, Denmark plays its matches.
In Györi, the club has promised a new discussion before next season's match uniforms are ordered and printed.
I think it's always about having to continue to raise the issue and problematize it, says Anna Lagerquist, who also plays in the Hungarian major club.
It's an unnecessary worry, so if it could be removed, that would be great.
