Taiwan’s Badminton Association Files Protest After Olympic Champions are Taunted by Spectators in China

Incident During BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou

Taiwan’s badminton association has filed a protest after its Olympic champion duo Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin were taunted by spectators during a match in China, Taiwan sports authorities said Friday. The incident occurred during a men’s doubles match in the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou city in the eastern province of Zhejiang.

Spectator’s Provocative Actions

Two-time Olympic gold medallists Lee and Wang were playing another Taiwanese pair when a spectator shouted: “Lin-Yang, Taiwan belongs to China, did you know that?” Other fans began cheering, clapping and chanting “China, Taiwan” as Lee and Wang stood on the court smiling and laughing, a video posted on the social media platform X showed.

Taiwan Sports Administration Takes Action

Taiwan’s Sports Administration told AFP it had ordered the island’s badminton association to “file a formal protest” over the spectators’ “provocative actions”. “Such behaviour will only cast a shadow on future sports exchanges across the Taiwan Strait,“ the Sports Administration said in a statement Friday.

Calls for Action from BWF and Hangzhou Organisers

The administration called on the international governing body BWF and the Hangzhou organisers “to take necessary actions to prevent such political interference” and avoid affecting the performance of players. Taiwan’s badminton association told AFP on Friday it had not yet received a response from the BWF. The BWF declined to comment when contacted by AFP.

Olympic Champion’s Response

After winning the match, Lee posted on Facebook: “We agreed to enjoy this tournament and smile more on the court. Although the first match was a ‘civil war’, it felt great to fight alongside you all.”

Background on Taiwan-China Relations

While Taiwan regards itself as a sovereign nation, China has sought to erase it from the international stage. Taiwan competes under the name Chinese Taipei in international sports events due to pressure from China, which baulks at any attempt to give the island legitimacy.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the sensitive nature of sports exchanges between Taiwan and China, where political tensions often run high. The Taiwan Sports Administration’s swift action in filing a protest and calling for action from the BWF and Hangzhou organisers sends a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

FAQs

Q: What happened during the badminton match in Hangzhou?
A: A spectator shouted: “Lin-Yang, Taiwan belongs to China, did you know that?” and other fans began cheering, clapping and chanting “China, Taiwan” as Lee and Wang stood on the court smiling and laughing.

Q: Who is responsible for the incident?
A: The spectator who made the provocative statement and other fans who cheered and chanted.

Q: What action has been taken by Taiwan’s Sports Administration?
A: The administration has ordered the island’s badminton association to “file a formal protest” over the spectators’ “provocative actions” and called on the BWF and Hangzhou organisers to take necessary actions to prevent such political interference.

Q: Has the BWF responded to the incident?
A: The BWF declined to comment when contacted by AFP. Taiwan’s badminton association has not yet received a response from the BWF.