Indonesian Flag Absent in Thomas Cup, Govt Apologizes for Anti-Doping Fiasco
Translator
Editor
18 October 2021 14:35 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Anti-Doping Agency (LADI) secretary Dessy Rosmelita in a virtual press conference on Monday publicly apologized to the general public after the Indonesian flag was not permitted to be exhibited during the Thomas Cup podium ceremony, despite Indonesia’s badminton team winning the tournament after beating defending champion China 3-0.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) imposed the saction on Indonesia for failing to comply with its regulation to send the samples of doping tests to the agency. The declaration of non-compliance means Indonesia is also ineligible to be awarded the right to host regional, continental or world championships during their suspension.
“We deeply apologize to the Indonesian President and the Indonesian public for what happened yesterday,” said Dessy on October 18.
Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali also apologized for the sanction, claiming it was attributable to the change of management and the absence of sporting events in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister said he had tasked a special team lead by NOC Indonesia chairperson Raja Sapta Oktohari to address the issue.
“As LADI has stated, I also apologize for what happened at the Thomas Cup and how it ruined our euphoria for being able to bring home a trophy,” said the Minister. “We will conduct an investigation and if there is an indicated cause then we will take responsibility, even if there are signs to bring it to the legal domain, we will take it there.”
Read: Taufik Hidayat, Candra Wijaya Lament No Merah Putih Flag Hoisting at Thomas Cup
IRSYAN HASYIM