Source:REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
[Saba Sports News] Previously, after the world’s second-ranked men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia Teng Fong / Soh Wooi Yik lost to the Indonesian pair Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in the semifinals of the French Open, they faced online abuse and attacks. Some angry fans even sent them private messages, insulting them and demanding the pair split up. Additionally, the independent mixed doubles pair Jimmy Wong / Lai Pei Jing became targets of online attacks after losing to the Indonesian pair Marwan Faza / Aisyah Salsabila Putri Pranata in the final of the Indonesia Super 100 tournament. Veteran player Goh V Shem was also targeted by some netizens demanding his retirement after he and his Korean partner Choi Sol Gyu finished as runners-up in the men’s doubles final. In response, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) issued a statement via social media, stating that safeguarding the safety and physical and mental well-being of national team players is their top priority, and therefore they will not tolerate online insults and threats against players. BAM stated in its declaration: “The Badminton Association of Malaysia has taken note of the recent incidents of online abuse and threats directed at national team players. There is no place for hate, intimidation, or discrimination in badminton or society at large. The safety and well-being of our athletes remain our utmost priority. BAM strongly condemns such acts and urges everyone to express their views with respect and positivity. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide our full support to our players whenever necessary.”