PETALING JAYA: Two-time Olympic Games champion Viktor Axelsen wants Badminton World Federation (BWF) to review their top players' commitment rule.
Under their rule, top players are fined if they don't show up for selected top tier tournaments. If they are injured or sick, they should show medical reports. In some cases, even injured athletes have to show up despite showing their documents to attend the world body's meet and greet sessions with fans as top players' obligation.
The fine is USD5,000.
In a facebook posting, Axelsen hoped for the world body to show compassion.
He pointed out that United States' Zhang Biewen had given good reasons for her illness (mental health) but yet, she was penalised for no show.
And Axelsen is ready to pay the fine too after withdrawing from the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China next week. He has foot injury but he is not going all the way China to sit around there.
"I have absolutely no need to "beef" with BWF, but I'm so tired of the disconnect between players and BWF," said Axelsen in his Facebook posting.
"Everything needs to go through the federation, but I'm an individual athlete with my own team, making my own decisions!
"Some players are happy to be in the federation. That's great, but we are some athletes who are independent!
"What has especially upset me recently is the handling of Beiwen Zhang's case. She is struggling mentally and financially, but she has no choice but to continue playing because "mental health" is not a good enough reason to avoid the obligations for "Top Committed Players."
"Check her IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DC3MS24tfnp/?img_index=2&igsh=MTJsMXFxajltMXU4aw==
"If we as a sport don't take mental health seriously, then where are we heading?
"I appreciate what the work Athletes Committee are doing, but I'm very sorry, but we have absolutely no power to change anything as the situation is now, and the only way BWF will listen is that we as players speak up."
