Source:Sipa USA/SOPA Images
[Saba Sports News] South Korea’s “Badminton Queen” An Se-young has announced her withdrawal from the 2024 Japan Badminton Masters, which will be held next week in Kumamoto, due to issues with her knee and ankle. She will also not participate in the national team training camp in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, on November 25. In response, some media speculate that An’s withdrawal is not solely due to injury but may be related to discord with the national team coaching staff. After winning an Olympic gold medal, An has repeatedly criticized the Korea Badminton Association and the national team regarding injury management and training methods. Last month, An participated in the BWF World Tour Super 750 Denmark Open held in Odense, Denmark, marking her first international competition since the Paris Olympics. During the competition, An had no communication with her Korean coach Sung Ji-hyun, who was providing guidance from outside the court; even when drinking water, she turned her back to the coach and did not even glance at her, creating a very awkward atmosphere between them. In light of media and fan speculation, the Korea Badminton Association conducted crisis management, stating that An submitted official documents and a medical diagnosis through her team, reiterating that her withdrawal was due to injury.