Indonesia Badminton: A four-month ban on Greysia Polii and Meiliana Jauhari after Olympic scandal
Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) has banned its Women’s Doubles experts Greysia Polii and Meiliana Jauhari after their involvement in match-throwing activity in 2012 London Olympics.
This year, eight female shuttlers had to face a woeful exit from the mega event for damaging the real spirit of the game. The Indonesian players were also disqualified along with Chinese and Korean contenders.
Now national body has stopped them from participating in all national and international tournaments in this season.
PBSI secretary general Yacob Rusdianto briefed the media about this decision and stated that both female campaigners will not swing arms until this December.
He said, “After studying and listening all sides, the sanction will be applied from the date of the incident until December 3.”
Greysia and Meiliana came under fire when they tried to lose a match to ensure a favourable draw in quarter-finals of the London Games.
Badminton lovers demanded a life-time ban for damaging the country’s image in such a prestigious event.
However, PBSI has directed them to stay away from court just for four months and this duration is relatively shorter than the banned period of South Korean shuttlers.
World Number 14 pair is country’s prime team and this strict action will really jeopardise Indonesia’s prospects in future badminton events.
Yacob Rusdianto admitted that it will be a huge blow for them but he also declared that it was necessary as Badminton World Federation (BWF) found them guilty.
He said, “We suffer losses [in this decision] but it should be understood that the sanction should be given because they violated rules of fair play. The Badminton World Federation has declared them guilty.”
Moreover, he also hoped that this decision will be welcomed by all stake holders and expressed his best wishes for future of the game.
Earlier, Meiliana Jauhari admitted that they damaged country’s image and showed intentions to follow PBSI’s direction.
For the record, Korea announced a four-month ban on its players while China just directed its campaigners to apologise publically.
However, Chinese Women’s Doubles expert Yu Yang blamed team’s officials for pushing them into the mud. She decided to hang up her racket after criticising the coaching and planning staff.
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