Maldives given conditional green light for Thai badminton competition

Maldives has been granted special permission to compete in the Thailand Junior Badminton Tournament as a final chance for the country to rectify its issues.

This special exemption was given to Maldives after the World Badminton Federation suspended the country as a strict measure imposed due to the influence of the Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC) and the Commissioner of Sports on the Maldives Badminton Association.

At the time of the suspension, 12 junior players had already prepared for the badminton series tournament, which starts tomorrow in Thailand.

Since it is an individually competed tournament, all the players’ parents had covered the expenses for participation.

The tournament, held in Pathum Thani, Thailand, is part of the BWF Junior Ranking Series and is open to players aged under-13, under-15, and under-17.

Before the Maldivian players left for the tournament, BWF informed the Olympic Committee about the suspension. As the players and parents had already made all the necessary arrangements, the Olympic Committee requested BWF to make an exemption for the Maldivian players to compete, Mihaaru reported.

Following the Olympic Committee’s request, BWF decided to give the Maldivian junior players a final chance.

According to “Mihaaru”, BWF granted permission on the condition that the Maldives implements the measures recommended by them. Maldives would also need to demonstrate that these measures are being implemented, the federation warned.

“Mihaaru” reportedly learned that BWF informed Maldives that if the country does not implement the necessary measures, it will lose any further opportunities.

After the deadline given by the Sports Commissioner’s Office to amend the Badminton Association’s constitution and hold elections passed, the Sports Commissioner’s Office decided to appoint a committee from the Sports Council to manage the association.

However, the constitution has not been amended, and elections have not been held since the term ended.