BADMINTON ASIA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMAN APOLOGISES TO PV SINDHU

By Bibhu Ray

(The Quiver ): Badminton Asia Technical Committee chairman Chih Shen Chen has apologised to PV. Sindhu for “human error” committed by the referee during the world’s single semifinal match of the Badminton Asia Champions in April.
The error happened during Sindhu’s match up with Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, where she lost in three games and had to settle for bronze. The Indian shuttler was leading 14-11 in the second game after having won the first one. The umpire handed her one-point penalty for taking too much time to serve between points.
Sindhu lost her momentum after that incident and lost 21-13, 19-21, 16-21. She was reduced to tears after that incident.
“Unfortunately, there is no rectification at this time. However, we have taken the necessary steps to avoid a repetition to this human error.” the official said in the letter to Sindhu.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to you. We believe it is part and a sport and that it is accepted as such.”
“The umpire told me you are taking a lot of time but the opponent wasn’t ready at the point. But the umpire suddenly gave her point and it was really unfair. I think that was one of reasons why I lost.” Sindhu said.
Sindhu had commented about the incident before and said that it was one of the reasons why she lost to Yamaguchi and felt that the penalty was unfair. She said that if the error wasn’t there, she could have sealed the spot in the final.
Sindhu, who is a member of Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) Athletics’ Commission, had immediately written a letter to the world body and the Asia badminton confederation, protesting against the decision.
Sindhu’s father P.V. Ramana hoped such incidents doesn’t would not be repeatrd again in future.
Sindhu is currently competing at the Malaysia Masters Super 500 tournament at Kuala Lumpur.