Badminton: Olympic scandal prompts rule change

The new system will be introduced for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

BANGKOK: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced changes to Olympic doubles rules following a match-throwing scandal at the London Games but said it would take no further action against coaches. It said the new system, which will be introduced for the Rio Olympics in 2016, would ‘ensure such a regrettable spectacle is never witnessed in badminton again’. “This will eliminate any player’s thoughts about actively trying to lose a match or matches, irrespective of other match results,” said the federation in a statement. “Such a draw process can easily and effectively be made just after all group matches have been concluded.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 1^st, 2012.