Time to tell new gen to play the game in its true spirit

Was it like locking the barn door after the horse has bolted? Punishment or any disciplinary action is to fundamentally teach the wrongdoer the right from the wrong. Instead, shouldn’t we have taught the players what is fair and what is unwarranted when they were young?

 Bodin and Maneepong were engaged in altercation in the men’s doubles final of the Canada Open tournament on July 21. To the great surprise of all Thai fans, who watched them contest the finals live on TV, Bodin chased Maneepong and hit the man, who partnered him in the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games last year. It was a great shame for the country as the ugly scenes were played out on the world stage and in front of millions of television viewers. What was more shameful was that no Thai player has ever indulged in such a despicable act before. 

The BWF outlined penalties for alleged breaches against them. Following reports from tournament officials as well as video footage of the incident, forwarded by BWF to the Badminton Association of Thailand, the local sports body decided to give Bodin a life ban.

However, considering his services to the country and the confession he made, the BAT changed the sentence to just two years, while Maneepong was placed under suspension for three months. The BWF followed suit with a similar suspension. Bodin will also forfeit his world-ranking points and the prize money he earned from the tournament.Many critics sided with Bodin, saying that he is just a youngster who can behave wrongly whenever under pressure or felt insulted. They said that no one is perfect and anyone can do wrong. They claimed that Bodin has served the nation with distinction for years and brought fame to Thailand. Therefore, he should be given a lighter sentence than the two years imposed by BAT and BWF. Some said two years are a long time and can even end his career.

My point is that anyone, who makes a career out of sports, should bear in mind that he or she is a professional athlete first and therefore embrace the spirit of sportsmanship. Highly competitive play should be encouraged, but not at the expense of mutual respect between players.

Fair play, adherence to the agreed-upon rules of the game should be encouraged. Enacting ugly scenes on court and arguing with officials during a competition should be discouraged. 

Thai players, especially those playing badminton, are usually impeccable in their court manners. Just watch Ratchanok Intanon play in Guangzhou. She is courteous to a fault.

There is no crying over spilt milk now. It is time to tell the new generation of athletes to play the game in the spirit of the game.