The Paris Olympics 2024 gold medalist in bton, An Se Young, has decided to withdraw from all international tournaments throughout August 2024.
The Korean News Agency, Yonhap, reported that An Se Young has informed the Bton Korea Association (BKA) through her club, Samsung Life Insurance.
Recently, An Se Young was in the spotlight due to a polemic with BKA shortly after winning the Olympics 2024 gold medal in the women’s singles event.
The polemic between An Se Young and BKA has also caught the attention of the Korean government. The Korean Sports Ministry is investigating An Se Young’s protest to BKA regarding ineffective injury handling and sponsorship issues.
The 22-year-old bton player reportedly suffered knee and ankle injuries after the Paris Olympics. However, speculation has arisen that An Se Young’s decision is related to her conflict with BKA.
So far, An Se Young is the only athlete on the Korean bton Olympic team who has announced her withdrawal from international tournaments in August 2024.
An Se Young herself has not provided an official statement about her decision to withdraw after threw criticism at BKA.
Thus, An Se Young will be absent from the BWF World Tour Super 750 Japan Open (August 20-25) and BWF Super 500 Korea Open tournaments which will take place from August 27th to September 1st.
Regarding the polemic involving An Se Young and BKA, the Bton World Federation (BWF) also give their respons.
BWF then responded regarding the government’s action to investigate BKA. According to BWF, this is fairly common because it concerns the welfare and safety of players.
“BWF is aware of a number of media reports following comments made by An Se Young at a press conference after winning Olympic gold.”
“We encourage discussion regarding the safety and welfare of players and this is common in some places when governments and national associations hold discussions,” wrote BWF in response to questions raised by one of the media.
Image source: kompas.id
