Seoul: The Korean sports ministry announced on Tuesday its plan to abolish a controversial rule that prevents non-national team badminton players from participating in international tournaments.
This decision is part of an ongoing investigation into the Badminton Korea Association (BKA) following sharp criticism from Olympic gold medalist An Se-young regarding the association’s treatment of athletes, including the ban on non-national team players from Olympic competitions.
In its interim findings, the ministry also recommended removing a regulation that requires national team athletes to “obey the coach’s orders” both during training sessions and in their daily lives.
Under the existing rules, only active national team players or retired players who meet certain age and tenure criteria can compete in international events sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation.
The ministry highlighted that badminton is the only Olympic or Asian Games sport in South Korea with such restrictions on non-national team athletes.
“The current regulation excessively limits players’ freedom to pursue their careers,” the ministry stated during a press briefing, vowing to take steps toward abolishing the rule.
The ministry further recommended the immediate removal of a national team policy that permits the association to disqualify athletes for failing to follow its “legitimate orders.”
Additionally, the ministry disclosed potential misconduct by BKA President Kim Taek-gyu.
According to the ministry, Kim is suspected, along with the association’s administration, of improperly distributing 140 million won ($104,096) worth of sponsored goods without adhering to official procedures.
The ministry indicated potential embezzlement and breach of trust by Kim. It added that, since Kim’s case has already been reported to the authorities, any additional findings from the ongoing investigation will be submitted as reference.
