S. Korea to push for abolishing rule restricting badminton players from international competitions

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- The sports ministry said Tuesday it will push for abolishing a controversial rule that bars non-national team badminton players from competing in international tournaments.

The decision comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the Badminton Korea Association (BKA) after Olympic gold medalist An Se-young sharply criticized the way the association has treated athletes, including the ban on non-national team players from Olympic participation.

Announcing interim probe results, the ministry also recommended scrapping a national team regulation that requires athletes to "obey the coach's orders" during both training and daily life.

Under the current rules, only active national team players or retired players who meet specific age and tenure requirements can participate in international events approved by the Badminton World Federation.

The ministry noted that badminton is the only Olympic or Asian Games sport in South Korea that imposes such restrictions on non-national team athletes.

"The current regulation excessively restricts players' freedom to pursue their careers," the ministry said during a press briefing, pledging to work on abolishing the rule.

The ministry also recommended the immediate removal of a national team policy that allows the association to disqualify athletes who disobeyed its "legitimate orders."

The ministry also revealed potential misconduct by BKA President Kim Taek-gyu.

Kim is suspected of leading, along with the association's administration, the improper distribution of 140 million won ($104,096) worth of sponsored goods without following official procedures, according to the ministry.

The ministry says it sees the possibility of embezzlement and breach of trust by Kim. Since the ministry has already reported Kim's case to the authorities, further investigation results will be provided as reference, it added.

sshim@yna.co.kr
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