Explained: The controversial badminton rule that robbed Lakshya Sen of win at Paris 2024 Olympics

New Delhi: A hard-earned win being chalked off is one of the worst things for an athlete to endure. It’s even worse than a bowler getting a wicket on a no-ball or a footballer scoring a goal which was later ruled off-side. The result once the match is completed shouldn’t change come whatever, may. But that’s not the case in badminton and those who were not aware were in for a rude shock on Sunday.

The Indian shuttler was robbed of a victory in the opening round of the men’s singles at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday despite getting off the mark with a win. Lakshya won the opener against Kevin Cordon of Guatemala 21-8, 22-20 to get off to a perfect start on his Olympics debut.

But later it was announced the result was ‘deleted’ after Cordon withdrew from Paris 2024 due to an injury.
Cordon’s remaining Group L matches against Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie and Julien Carraggi of Belgium will not be played.

What it means?

In other words, the match no longer exists in the records. It also means that the opening-round win won’t have any bearing on Lakshya’s progress and the Indian shuttler will be judged on his remaining games. But why Lakshya and India were robbed of the crucial win? Well, because rules are rules.

What does the rule say?

According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) General Competition Regulations for group stage play, the results of all matches played, or to be played, involving Cordon in Group L are now considered deleted.

The specific rule (rule no 16.2.5) states: “If illness, injury, disqualification or other unavoidable hindrance prevents a Player/pair from finishing all the group matches, all the results of that Player/pair shall be deleted. Retiring during a match shall be considered to be not completing all group matches.”

Due to this controversial rule, Lakshya will have zero points in the Group L standings. The young shuttler would be feeling hard done by for a decision he was not responsible for and one that his opponent made.

Perhaps, BWF should take a look at its rulebook to encourage fair play.

Meanwhile, the men’s doubles opening match in Group C featuring Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty was cancelled after their German opponents withdrew.

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