They also claim the skimpy outfits - the mandatory dress for the contest -are against their traditions.

As a result the rules have now been relaxed for the team and they will be allowed to compete in t-shirts and long shorts.

Organizers say other teams will stick with the dress code and hope the Indian team will be inspired in the future to wear bikinis in the future.

A.J. Martin, director of the FiVB said: "The International Volleyball Association has a rule that allows us to change the dress code respecting the religious, cultural and ethical sentiments of countries."