KOI Chairman Demands BWF Apologize: They Cannot Take Cover In British Government Regulations

Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Raja Sapta Oktohari (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Raja Sapta Oktohari has demanded that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) apologize for their unprofessionalism in organizing the All England 2021 tournament.

Apart from having unfairly forced to resign, BWF is increasingly unprofessional because it has neglected Indonesian athletes who are currently undergoing independent isolation in hotels. Okto is also angry because until now, BWF has not yet conveyed an apology for his negligence.

"They must take full responsibility for their negligence. Our athletes have been vaccinated and tested for PCR swabs on departure and landing, and have even competed and were then stopped and removed from the match, ”Okto said at a press conference at the Kemenpora office, Friday, reported by Antara.

"They are also not allowed to enter buses and elevators, what is this treatment from the British Government? No, but this is the committee's obligation. They cannot take cover under British government regulations, "he added.

BWF has actually stated that they deeply regret the decision to withdraw Indonesian players from All England in 2021.

They also expressed their sympathy and apologies to the players and supporters of the Indonesian team in the country for the inconvenience caused. However, according to Okto, what was done was not enough.

“To this day BWF has not apologized for hurting the feelings of Indonesian badminton players and fans. What has been done is to apologize for the inconvenience caused, not apologize (for their unprofessionalism in organizing the 2021 All England tournament). This must be clear, "he said.

Okto also said that he would report the incident that happened to the Indonesian team to the Asian Olympic Committee (OCA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) so that similar incidents would not be repeated, especially in the Tokyo Olympics qualifying tournament.

He emphasized that the incident experienced by the Indonesian team at the All England would become a world record proof of BWF's unprofessionalism in organizing a tournament.