Female handball players can now wear shorts

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Female handball players no longer have to wear bikini bottoms

The International Handball Federation (IHF) has changed its rules

to allow beach handball players to wear shorts

following complaints that the previous regulations were sexist

In July, Norway's beach handball team were fined 1,500 euros ($1,750)

for being 'improperly dressed' at the European championship

(SOUNDBITE)(Norwegian) NORWEGIAN BEACH HANDBALL PLAYER, JULIE ASPELUND BERG, SAYING: "We want to make a change because we don't want the sport to exclude anyone. We wish it to be inclusive, for diversity . There are several countries and regions that don't allow women to dress the way the rules state. We wish there to be focus on the sport and not the clothing. Everyone should feel comfortable and well and only focus on the sport. That's what's important to us."

U.S. singer Pink said she was proud of the team and offered to pay the fines

The IHF rulebook now reads: "Female athletes must wear short tight pants with a close fit"