Malaysian badminton stars bombarded with hate messages after defeats

KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has sounded the alarm after national players became the target of a torrent of online abuse and even threats.

In a strongly worded statement on Monday, the national body said it was deeply concerned by the disturbing trend of hate messages flooding players’ social media accounts.

“There is absolutely no place for hate, intimidation, or discrimination in badminton or in society,” BAM said.

“The safety and wellbeing of our athletes remain our utmost priority. BAM strongly condemns such behaviour and urges everyone to express their views with respect and positivity.”

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While BAM stopped short of naming those affected for safety reasons, it is understood that world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have been bombarded with abuse since their French Open semi-final defeat to Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian-Shohibul Fikri on Saturday.

Some furious fans even slid into their private messages, hurling insults and demanding the pair split up — a shocking show of hostility towards Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair.

Independent pair Jimmy Wong-Lai Pei Jing were also targeted after losing the Indonesia Masters II Super 100 final to Marwan Faza-Aisyah Salsabila, while veteran Goh V Shem — who finished runner-up in the men’s doubles final with South Korean partner Choi Sol Kyu — was told by some to “retire”.

It is believed that some of the trolling originated from Indonesian fans.

BAM said it will closely monitor the situation and offer full support and protection to all national shuttlers as the attacks intensify.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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