Match-fixing probe casts shadow over Indonesia’s badminton World C’ships campaign

PETALING JAYA – The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has withdrawn two mixed doubles pairs from the upcoming world championships amid a match-fixing investigation by the sport’s world governing body.

The two pairings are world No. 13 Jafar Hidayatullah and Felisha Pasaribu and world No. 24 Adnan Maulana and Indah Cahya Sari Jamil.

Although there has been no official confirmation linking the pairs to the probe, their withdrawal from the tournament, which will be held from Aug 17 to 23 in New Delhi, has fuelled speculation.

PBSI secretary-general Ricky Soebagdja said in a statement on Aug 4 that Jafar and Felisha, as well as Adnan and Indah, had been withdrawn as part of adjustments to Indonesia’s squad for the world championships.

While PBSI did not disclose the reason behind the changes, it confirmed that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) is currently conducting independent judicial proceedings over alleged integrity breaches involving several Indonesian players.

“The decision is part of the organisation’s efforts to ensure that all administrative processes and athlete participation in international tournaments are carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures,” it said.

It added: “PBSI respects and fully supports the mechanisms implemented by the BWF as part of their efforts to safeguard the integrity of badminton, while also respecting the independence of the ongoing proceedings.”

The association said it would not comment further while the proceedings remain ongoing, and urged all parties to refrain from speculation until the BWF independent hearing panel issues its decision.

Adnan and Indah withdrew from the world championships on July 13, while Jafar and Felisha followed suit on July 29.

Despite the withdrawals, Indonesia will still be represented by two mixed doubles pairs, led by Amri Syahnawi and Nita Violina Marwah, while Rehan Kusharjanto and Gloria Widjaja have been promoted from the reserve list.

Separately, world championship host New Delhi said it was ready to deliver a smoother spectacle, after bird droppings, stray animals and air-quality concerns overshadowed the India Open in New Delhi earlier in the year.

The tournament will be at the Indira Gandhi Arena. BWF and local organiser, the Badminton Association of India (BAI), said preparations were on track.

BWF secretary-general Thomas Lund told Reuters in a statement: “Following the India Open in January, BAI acted swiftly to address feedback relating to venue cleanliness and environmental conditions.”

New Delhi regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted capitals during winter, with poor air quality a recurring concern for international sporting events.

The India Open in January drew criticism after Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew said he struggled to breathe and wore a mask outside his hotel room, while Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt described the conditions as “unhealthy”.

Loh’s match against India’s H.S. Prannoy was also halted twice after birds fouled the court, while Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon complained of cold conditions and South Korea’s Kang Min-hyuk posted on social media that a monkey entered the training venue.

Lund said August’s monsoon weather would typically bring better air quality than in January, and that the venue’s roof had been inspected and waterproofed where required, the air-conditioning system tested, and lighting upgrades were being installed.

“The challenges experienced at the India Open are not unique to any one host nation... BWF is satisfied that appropriate measures have been implemented ahead of the championships,” he said.

BAI general secretary Sanjay Mishra said the organisers had strengthened animal-control measures with a triple-door entry system, round-the-clock security, sealed access points and coordination with local authorities to relocate stray animals.

“We are confident that the event will offer nothing less than a seamless, world-class spectacle for players, officials and fans alike,” Mishra said.

Singapore will be represented by Loh and Jason Teh in the men’s singles, Yeo Jia Min and Megan Lee in the women’s singles, as well as two men’s doubles pairs – Junsuke Kubo and Wesley Koh, and Howin Wong and Donovan Wee.

The tournament will feature China’s defending men’s champion Shi Yuqi and women’s title-holder Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, while two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu will spearhead India’s challenge in the women’s singles on home soil. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK, AFP