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Too sexualized to be a respectable sport?

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But others believe the uniforms are practical for the sport, because long and loose clothing would simply affect players' flexibility and tournaments often take place during the intense heat of summer.

Beach volleyball is a proven crowd-pleasing sport. The seaside setting, a live DJ and bikini-clad cheerleaders are all part of the action.

Liao Xiaoming, Director of Beach Volleyball Center, said, "This sport is really unique in that it combines athletic competition, entertainment, and interactivity. First of all, the athletes' techniques and athletic level is great. Secondly, by wearing bikini or short clothes, athletes look very relaxed and it can make spectators relaxed too. Also, spectators can interact between themselves and also with athletes. In this sport, volleyball action, sunshine, beach and spectators, together become an integral whole."

Spectator, said, "I think it's very normal to dress revealing clothes because basketball babes also dress like this. They are really professional......"

Many of the cheerleaders at the Asian Games also performed at the Beijing Olympics. They said they didn't really care about the discussions on the way they or the athletes dress, saying they are dancing for the love of it, and as Chinese, they are happy to perform at a major sporting event held in their own country.

Cheerleader, Beach Volleyball, 2010 Asian Games, said, "I feel really proud of the Asian Games and proud of me and that my team can perform here. We have practiced a long time. The hard part was we were used to dancing on the floor and now we had to do it in sands."

No matter how much conservative groups may frown upon the dress code, beach volleyball is fast becoming one of the most popular outdoor event for people during a major sports meet. People say the beach, the sunshine, and the atmosphere together give them a great get-away from their hectic daily routines.