Source: Sipa USA /SOPA Images
[Saba Sports News] An Se-young, the women’s singles champion of the Paris Olympics, has been fined $5,000 due to her withdrawal from competitions. Following a conflict with the Korean Badminton Association, she has refused to participate in all international tournaments since the Olympics, citing injuries. According to South Korean media, as the defending champion, An Se-young has decided not to participate in the China Badminton Open held in Changzhou, China from September 17-22, and is expected to return at the National Sports Festival in Korea in October. Since the China Badminton Open is part of the 2024 BWF World Tour and classified as a Super 1000 event, this means An Se-young will not only lose 13,500 personal points and a maximum prize of $140,000 but also face a heavy penalty from the BWF, amounting to $5,000. In my opinion, An Se-young’s decision to withdraw shows her courage and determination. Although this may lead to immense public pressure and even affect her career path, she deeply realizes that only by bravely standing up can she prompt the Korean Badminton Association to confront and resolve unfair issues.