Bodin makes plea for banned ex-partner Maneepong
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Bodin Issara has pleaded with the Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) to reduce its ban on his former partner Maneepong Jongjit and allow him to play in the World Championship in Guangzhou next week.
The 22-year-old Bodin, who physically assaulted his former close buddy during the Canadian Open’s men’s doubles final in Vancouver on July 22, posted a Facebook message admitting he was to blame for initiating the fight and asking the BAT to reduce the punishment for Maneepong.
“I lost my self-control, which has never happened before. I was the one who started the war of words from across the net. I spoke rudely. I should have handled the situation differently. I’m very sorry that my action also caused him misery,” said Bodin, who was on Saturday banned from international and local competitions for two years by the BAT. Maneepong, who swore at Bodin and hit him with his racquet, resulting in a cut ear that needed two stitches, was barred from domestic and overseas events for three months.
That left Maneepong banned from entering the World Championships, which start next Monday, as well as two more big up-coming events, the China Masters and Japan Open.
“As a badminton player, I understand how important the World Championships is for Maneepong. He has worked hard to gain enough rankings points to qualify. But he is going to lose the chance to take part in the event because of my actions.
“I am pleading with the BAT to lessen their punishment so that he can represent Thailand in the World Championships. He has earned the chance,” said Bodin.
Both Bodin and Maneepong have been ordered by the BAT to submit written statements explaining the incident, this morning, which will be handed over to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on the same day. World badminton’s governing body will announce what action it will take against the pair by August 2.
