Korean badminton celebrity An Se Younger had appeared destined to win the gold medal at Paris 2024 for the previous couple of years. A lot in order that nobody would have batted an eyelid when she fulfilled her dream of successful the title at Porte de La Chapelle Area. However what got here after her triumph, has shocked the badminton world.
Whereas most media interactions after a triumph are typically celebratory, the 22-year-old determined she’d use the event to spotlight some critical points with the way in which badminton was being run in Korea. The issues she identified included the way in which her long-standing knee harm was mismanaged, unilateral decision-making by the federation and youthful gamers being requested to restring rackets and do the laundry for seniors.
What did An say after her gold?
“It was very troublesome to beat the ache,” An had instructed BWF within the speedy aftermath of her triumph. “There was a misdiagnosis, and on the finish of final 12 months we discovered it was very unhealthy however we didn’t have time for surgical procedure, so we needed to push by means of and my coach helped me and that’s why I used to be in a position to come right here.”
An made a stunning remark about probably transferring away from the game, however it appears that evidently stance has since cooled down. On her Instagram account that has now been locked for privateness, she wrote she didn’t need individuals to misread her feedback for retirement. “I’m not attempting to struggle individuals. That is about defending gamers.”
In a subsequent submit, she additionally apologised for taking the eye away from her fellow Olympians. “My feedback have washed away their moments to be celebrated and honored like a tsunami. I’d wish to convey my sincerest apology to these athletes,” she had mentioned.
What are the problems she has highlighted?
Her largest gripe was that the nationwide crew took her critical harm in 2023 calmly. She credited her private coach for ensuring her Paris dream didn’t derail due to that. An, by the way, withdrew from the India Open in New Delhi earlier within the 12 months citing her harm regardless of making an preliminary look.
Korea’s An Se Younger reacts after successful the ladies’s closing match towards China’s Chen Yu Fei within the All England Open Badminton Championships on the Utilita Area in Birmingham, England, Sunday, March 19, 2023. (AP Picture/Rui Vieira)
She instructed Korean information company Yonhap that she made the remarks towards the federation as a result of she had the stage the place she’d be heard now. “My anger has been the gasoline that has helped me notice my dream,” An mentioned. “I wished to have my voice heard. In a method, that has been my dream.”
She reportedly filed complaints to the federation concerning the remedy she has been receiving. In response to a report by broadcaster SBS An’s dad and mom had met with the federation’s officers in February, asking for enchancment in residing circumstances within the nationwide crew’s athletes’ village. Maeil Enterprise reported that An was miffed with being requested to do chores after coaching, which included ‘altering her seniors’ damaged racket strings, cleansing rooms and laundry.’
Her current feedback haven’t talked about these points, however An has mentioned, “What I finally need to specific is my hope for extra flexibility in altering unreasonable however customary practices.”
What’s been taking place since?
With the feedback dominating the information cycle in Korea after Paris 2024, the Ministry of Tradition, Sports activities and Tourism launched an investigation into the functioning of the Badminton Korea Affiliation (BKA).
The matter was deemed critical sufficient for South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol to comment at a gathering of Olympians from the nation (the place An was reportedly current too). In response to Korea Herald, “Yoon instructed individuals he would work to ditch outdated customs to make sure a good likelihood for any athlete in any sport to compete freed from constraints, and to encourage younger athletes to acquire coaching in a extra superior atmosphere.”
Within the interim findings from the probe, there have been allegations of misuse of funds towards BKA President Kim Taek-gyu which have been refuted. There have been experiences of improper monetary offers with an gear sponsor.
Is it simply badminton?
There appears to be a interval of turmoil in one other Korean sport too, with the soccer federation underneath the scanner for the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as the pinnacle coach. Earlier this 12 months, Jurgen Klinsmann was faraway from the function however the means of appointing Hong has develop into an argument. Followers reportedly jeered him after a 0-0 draw with Palestine on the World Cup qualifiers.
The discussions across the badminton and soccer federations have delivered to the forefront what lawmakers have described as being caught in outdated methods and never having athletes’ welfare as the main target. In response to The Korea Herald, Minister of tradition, sports activities and tourism Yu In-chon mentioned, “You need to put sports activities and athletes first, however there are nonetheless some outdated practices in place. I believe sports activities have develop into political.” Inquiries into each the federations are anticipated to be wrapped up within the coming days.