PTI

Chennai, Jul 17: Indian women team today withdrew from the beach volleyball championship here after it refused to adhere to the International Volleyball Federation dress code, stipulating wearing just top and undergarment.

Indian team's withdrawal from the Chennai Challenger tournament later led to cancellation of the qualifying event.

A.J. Martin, Tournament Director, said after the pull out of eight-member Indian team, the tournament will now begin on Thursday with the competition in main draw.

"The Indian players expressed reservations on wearing just a top and undergarment as stipulated by the International Volleyball Federation. This resulted the qualifying rounds being withdrawn. The main draw for both men and women will start tomorrow," Martin said.

In the four-day event being held at the Elliots Beach, India has fielded seven men's team but their chances of podium finish is bleak in the presence of strong teams in Italy, Brazil, Finland and Canada, who are considered favourites to figure in the semifinals in men's section.

As for the women, Great Britain boast of players like Brown and Turner but they are expected to face stiff challenge from both Thailand and Malaysia.

The tournament offers a total prize money of USD 40,000 and USD 6,400 for the winning teams in both the categories.

The runners up will get and USD 4,400.