Now, I am not so sure that a backyard game which we used to play with beers in hand should really be an Olympic Sport. Badminton was something we played at cook outs and usually devolved into a session of whacking misquitos with the raquets. We did play it in gym in Junior High. Despite one's opinion of this sport/game....it seems there is some unsportsmanlike conduct taking place over in London. This report hit my computer this A.M. from NBC Olympics:
Both China's Yu Yang and Wang Xiaoli and South Korean's Jung Kyung Eun and Kim Ha Na appear to attempt to throw their women's doubles badminton match.
LONDON (AP) — Eight female badminton doubles players were disqualified from the London Olympics after trying to lose matches to receive a more favorable place in the tournament, Indonesia's team leader said Wednesday.
The Badminton World Federation investigated two teams from South Korea and one each from China and Indonesia. It accused them of "not using one's best efforts to win a match" and "conducting oneself in a manner that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the sport" in matches Tuesday night.
Erick Thohir, the head of Indonesia's Olympic team, told The Associated Press that the Indonesian team will appeal. He also accused China of losing on purpose in the past.
Both China's Yu Yang and Wang Xiaoli and South Korean's Jung Kyung Eun and Kim Ha Na appear to attempt to throw their women's doubles badminton match.
LONDON (AP) — Eight female badminton doubles players were disqualified from the London Olympics after trying to lose matches to receive a more favorable place in the tournament, Indonesia's team leader said Wednesday.
The Badminton World Federation investigated two teams from South Korea and one each from China and Indonesia. It accused them of "not using one's best efforts to win a match" and "conducting oneself in a manner that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the sport" in matches Tuesday night.
Erick Thohir, the head of Indonesia's Olympic team, told The Associated Press that the Indonesian team will appeal. He also accused China of losing on purpose in the past.
4 comments:
Covert strategy in shuttlecock? Who'da thunk it?
"Watch the birdie"
I heard on NPR this morning that China's top female badminton players - one of the ones accused of throwing the games - has quit the sport as a result. I can't imagine qualifying for the Olympics yet not giving it your all.
The goal in the Olympics is to win a gold medal. These athletes were trying to position themselves to have a more favorable matchup in the next round of play to get them closer to the gold. In that respect, NOT throwing matches to game the ranking/seeding system could be seen as "not giving it your all". Just a thought.
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