The sport of badminton has gone through the worst controversies in badminton history ever owing to the over zealousness of players to win
This sport was played in Pune in India around the 19th century by the British military retired officers. The first badminton competition in the world was played in the year 1899. The game got world-famous when it entered the Olympics in the year 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
At high levels of play, the sport demands excellent fitness, aerobic stamina, strength, and speed. Badminton can be regarded as a full-body workout routine. However, it has still faced the worst controversies in badminton history.
Worst Controversies In Badminton In History
1. Super Dan’s on-court outburst
Lin Dan is famous for his short temper and controversies. In the year 2008 final Korean Open, he tried to hit South Korean Coach Li Mao. In one crucial match, Lin Dan approached the chair umpire to complain and Li Mao taunted the Chinese Superstar.
This lead to a fight and things got worse then the officials jumped in and separated them. It is at the top of the worst controversies in badminton history.
2. Lee Chong Wei and Doping
Lee Chong was away from controversies as he is calm, measured with his words, and displays all good qualities that make him loveable. Malaysia’s player tested positive for taking banned substances which were very shocking to everyone. Lee also detected positive for the drug dexamethasone in 2014.
But he would have faced two years ban which might have ended his career. Suddenly on April 15 the panel ruled that dexamethasone was not a drug and Lee is innocent and as he suffered 8 months ban so he will compete in the 2016 Rio tournament
3. Chinese ‘walkovers’
China is called badminton’s powerhouse. Chinese players have dominance as they have been accused of pulling out of matches and involving in citing injuries and fatigue. 20%. In Asian Championship Chan Long gave a walkover to Tian Houwei in the semifinals, many international players were not happy with this behavior.
4. World Championships Air Controversy
In the 2013 Championship Lee Chong Wei retired due to cramps at the end of the men’s singles final against Lin Dan. After this decision of Lee, Lin Dan became the 5th world Champion. Resulting to this Lee Chong’s coach blamed air conditioning as a cramping reason.
This became a big issue but spectators and commentators knew that the air- conditioner was off at that time and the temperature must have affected both the players.
5. Throwing matches at the Olympics
The 2012 Olympics became infamous for the 8 players who were trying to throw their matches in easier quarter-final draws. Chinese, South Korean, and Indonesian players were accused of playing a losing game. All four players were qualified for the quarter-finals.
They repeatedly served into the net and hit the shuttle wide to gift points to their opponents. Players who lost the match claimed they were doing it only to go ahead with the decision and eventually they won gold.