Women's Badminton Players Disqualified for Intentionally Losing Games

by Brian Heissenbuttel

            Every Olympic athlete’s dream is to take home the gold. Most athletes will do anything win the competition. We cheer them on as they train by weight lifting, distance running, and practice on the field or court for hundreds of hours every month. But eight female badminton players from South Korea, China, and Indonesia have resorted to intentionally losing matches to gain better positions in the elimination rounds.

            China’s Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang, South Korea’s Jung Kyun-eun, Kim Ha-na, Ha Jung-eun and Kim Min-jung, and Indonesia’s Meiliana Jauhari and Greysia Polii were all disqualified from the London Games for fixing matches.

            When the footage is analyzed, it is obvious that both teams are trying to lose in both games. The serves are shot directly into the net, and the ones that barely make it over are hit straight down. I am driven to believe that is the first time everyone in a badminton stadium has booed all the players.

            This occurrence has positioned several teams, including Canada, in the elimination round with a chance to take home medals.

There are mixed opinions about whether or not the teams should be disqualified, so here are the links to the highlights. Decide for yourselves.

South Korea vs. Indonesia - http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/badminton/badminton-highlights-kor-vs-ind-controversy.html

China vs. South Korea - http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/badminton/highlights-badminton-players-try-to-throw-match.html