Former Badminton partners, who reached London 2012 Olympics together, fought during the men's double finals during the Canada Open in Richmond Oval on Sunday. The dramatic fight between the two players were captured on video in full view of horrified audience.
Thai competitor Bodin Issara chased Thai Maneepong Jongjit into the audience stands and onto the neighboring court following a change of ends in the men’s doubles finals this weekend. Issara knocked Jongjit over, punched and kicked him several times before he was subdued by a badminton official.
Issara was dragged away while his partner, Thai Pakkawat Vilailak, escorted off Jongjit, who had lost his shirt.
The two had already been warned by the referee due to a heated verbal exchange earlier in the match.
Issara and his partner Vilailak Pakkawat were disqualified, with Jongjit and Nipitphon Puangpuapech awarded victory.
Badminton World Federation said in a statement, “The events surrounding the conclusion of this match will be thoroughly investigated by the BWF. The world-governing body has procedures in place to deal with such situations and this matter will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee.”
Jongjit and Issara reached the quarter-finals at London 2012 but split up in January when the latter announced his retirement, citing injury and a need to care for his mother.
But the 22-year-old resumed competition with a new partner soon after.
According to report, Issara has issued an apology for what he did.
