Issues of the day: 8 badminton players tossed

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Aug. 1, Online

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 on 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 on Tuesday night.

Erick Thohir, the head of Indonesia’s Olympic team, told The Associated Press that the Indonesian team would appeal. He also accused China of losing on purpose in the past.

Your comments:

Who are they trying to kid? All of us who saw the game on TV also saw that they were playing half-heartedly before the referee took action by coming down from his seat and holding the black card aloft.

Saying that they felt intimidated and disturbed because of what the referee said is, aside from being a very immature remark, also an indication that the players, as well as their handlers and managers, should really begin to learn what true sportsmanship is.

It isn’t about grabbing the most medals, honors and money. A true sportsman or sportswoman can win without crowing and lose without protesting and frantically dragging out lame excuses.

A true champion is someone who is never afraid of being challenged. If they lose, they lose with honor, having done their best, and therefore can still keep their head up high.

If the thirst for medals, glory and huge financial rewards are allowed to overshadow true sportsmanship, then of course disgraceful actions like throwing games are bound to happen. All of us Indonesians should be ashamed.

And no lame excuses, please. We feel bad enough as it is.

Tami

It is disgraceful!

Wishnu Prasetya

Getting kicked out of an Olympic event? Come on! This is embarrassing, seriously. I’m appalled to watch or even read the article about it.

Patty Ketchum