JAKARTA, KOMPAS.TV – Regarding the All England 2021 incident that occurred last March, the President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Poul-Erick Hoyer finally apologized directly to the General Chair of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Raja Sapta Oktohari.
Hoyer apologized after watching the men’s doubles final match at the BWF World Tour Finals 2021 in Nusa Dua, Bali, last weekend.
On that occasion, Okto (familiar greeting) explained, he had no personal problems with BWF. He only defended the interests of Indonesian athletes who were then forced to withdraw from All England.
“I have no personal problems. But as a representative of Indonesia in the field of sports who also represents citizens, it’s only natural that I defend the interests of athletes,” said Okto in a KOI press release, Tuesday (7/12/2021).
Okto said Hoyer apologized in person, even though he had previously said it publicly. “The All England incident is the first time the BWF has apologized because it has never happened before,” he continued.
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This incident began when all Indonesian badminton players were forced to withdraw from the tournament because of a plane with passengers infected with Covid-19. According to the UK Health Agency’s NHS regulations, players must also undergo a 14-day quarantine.
The incident, according to Okto, remains an imprint. Moreover, the Red and White squad is said to have received discriminatory treatment from the BWF and the committee.
“But what has happened is still happening. Now how do we, KOI, PBSI, Badminton Asia, and BWF communicate in the future,” he said.
He also said that the response of the President of BWF was to always prioritize Indonesia. Including, being involved in the 2021 Badminton Festival because of the three tournaments held in Bali.
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