Title: Badminton’s Brutal Backlash: BAM Condemns Online Attacks against Malaysian Players
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Malaysian Badminton Association (BAM) slams online abuse targeted at national players, including world No. 2 duo Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, following recent international losses.
Article:
Badminton’s Brutal Backlash: BAM Condemns Online Attacks against Malaysian Players
BAM Alarmed by torrent of hate messages towards national shuttlers
SHAH ALAM – The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has expressed deep concern over the wave of online abuse and threats directed at national badminton players following their recent defeats in international tournaments. In a strongly-worded statement, BAM condemned the hateful messages, urging everyone to maintain respect and positivity in both badminton and wider society.
BAM’s statement on online abuse. Photo: BAM’s Facebook page
“There is absolutely no place for hate, intimidation, or discrimination in badminton or in society. The safety and well-being of our athletes remain our utmost priority.
“BAM strongly condemns such behaviour and urges everyone to express their views with respect and positivity,” the organisation said in a statement.
World No. 2 duo Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik among the targeted
Although BAM withheld names for security reasons, it is understood that the world No. 2 men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, have been heavily targeted since their French Open semi-final loss to Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto on Saturday. The Malaysian duo, consistently among the world’s top pairs, faced abusive comments and even calls to split up after their loss.
Other players subjected to online attacks
Independents mixed doubles pair Jimmy Wong and Lai Pei Jing also fell victim to online attacks after losing the Indonesia Masters II Super 100 final. Meanwhile, veteran shuttler Goh V Shem, who finished runner-up in the men’s doubles final with South Korean partner Choi Sol Kyu, was told by some users to “retire”.
Some of the hate comments were reportedly traced back to Indonesian fans following Malaysia’s losses in the tournaments.
BAM vows to monitor situation and support players
BAM confirmed that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide full support and protection for all national players as the attacks escalate.
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