Welfare of shuttlers must come first for BWF
WHEN the Badminton World Federation (BWF) released their revamped calendar on Friday, the joke in the office was that players would break their backs playing in back-to-back tournaments.
Packing 22 tournaments in five months from August to December, with a few major Opens slated in consecutive weeks, is really no joke.
And the BWF certainly have little reason to smile. The Covid-19 pandemic has presented the world body with a unique challenge and every one of their decisions of late has come under close scrutiny.
Tough times can bring out the best – or worst – in people or any organisation.
Unfortunately for BWF, most of their moves, from the time they suspended all their tournaments since the All-England in March to reviewing the Olympic qualifying period and revising the calendar, have drawn flak and ire from players.
The condensed calendar, too, has become a bone of contention. Players have reacted in shock – some even in disbelief – via their online platforms.
Of course, the players can choose or limit the number of tournaments that they want to compete in, but with the qualification to next year’s Tokyo Olympics at stake, the players are in a predicament.
If they don’t compete, they may fall in the world rankings. If they do compete in the back-to-back meets, they may risk injury.
The grouses had already been in the air during the All-England.
Some players were against the world body hosting the prestigious tournament as the Covid-19 cases were escalating then but some wanted it to be organised at all costs because it offered Olympic ranking points.
Despite all the efforts and measures taken by the BWF and the hosts to keep everyone safe, one of the sparring partners from team Taiwan was tested positive upon returning home. He had travelled to other parts of Europe before arriving in Birmingham.
The incident led to a top player claiming that the world body had got their priorities mixed up. Money above players’ safety, she claimed.
But one can’t blame BWF. After all, hosting Open tournaments and events is the major revenue-earner for BWF.
In last year’s financial statement, the world body generated a total revenue of US$25.1mil (RM110mil) from tournaments, including the World Championships, Sudirman Cup and All-England attracting large sponsors.
It’s a lot of money, compared to the 1980s and 1990s era, said former men’s singles legend Rashid Sidek. He was happy to see the sport’s improved stature and profile over the years as it steps out of the shadows of the other more successful racquet sport – tennis.
But Rashid hit the nail on the head when he said players are the ones who should benefit from the profits made. For a start, he has called for players to be rewarded with prize money in the World Championships, Thomas Cup Finals and Sudirman Cup.
These three tournaments have never been offered prize money. It has been all about honour and pride.
There are others questions – on the number of staffing at the BWF headquarters and distribution of wealth. Is it fair? Is it necessary?
These questions can be answered when BWF’s 184 member affiliates attend their first virtual annual general meeting on June 5. The members should look into the welfare of the players and not just focus on their own affairs.
The poorer nations who are affected by the Covid-19 should ask for financial help from the world body, helmed by president Poul Erik-Hoyer and secretary-general Thomas Lund.
Things like tinkering with the scoring format or even introducing plastic shuttles can wait.
■ The writer misses the good old times when the world body, then the International Badminton Federation, were based in London. The media had easier access to the decision-makers. Media officer Lindsey Bell, for one, would always go the extra mile to help. Lindsey, do drop a line to rajespaul@thestar.com. my.