Will Ahn Se-young (Samsung Life Insurance) become Kim Yu-na of the badminton scene.
On the afternoon of the 16th, Ahn Se-young said on her SNS, “What I ultimately want to talk about is irrational, but I want to change what I have been doing conventionally a little more flexibly.”
He appealed to the fact-finding committee formed by the Badminton Association, saying, “As the association officials hold the key to change, I hope they will not turn away any more and act actively.”
What does Ahn Se-young want?
Ahn’s requirements are clear. When badminton players are still training in Jincheon National Training Center, their seniors are found to give unfair instructions to their juniors, such as cleaning, laundry, and tying racket lines. Ahead of the Olympics, Ahn was also not able to exercise individually without permission and take sufficient rest. Ahn wants to improve this environment.
Systematic injury management is also needed. Ahn felt that even though she suffered serious injuries, she was neglected without proper treatment. At the Indian Open in January, Ahn withdrew from the quarterfinals due to a thigh injury. There was an incident that Ahn wanted to return home early to treat her injury, but the association blocked her. “I wanted the conditions and support to recover well from the injury,” Ahn said.
Ahn also said, “I hope you don’t block sponsors or contractual issues and release them.” It is a private matter.
The association has signed a huge contract with Yonex to have all its players wear Yonex products only. Ahn signed an individual advertisement contract with Nike, but only wore Yonex products at international competitions according to the association’s regulations. Ahn complained that she felt uncomfortable with Yonex sneakers.
Ahn also expressed unfairness in terms of annual salary. According to the current Badminton association’s management regulations, high school graduates have to keep their contracts for seven years and their down payment cannot exceed 100 million won. The annual salary for high school graduates is limited to 50 million won for the first year, and an annual salary increase of more than 7 percent is prohibited. After Ahn’s remarks, the association is considering improving the system.
How did Kim Yu-na become the No. 1 player in the world?
Ahn can take Kim as a role model given that she won world titles in individual sports despite different events. Kim Yu-na was ranked as the best player ever with her unrivaled performance in the Korean figure skating world. Kim Yu-na was also excellent, but it was possible thanks to her support.
Badminton players participate in international competitions with the support of the association and receive equipment and annual salaries. However, figure skating is even worse. All expenses incurred in participating in international competitions must be paid by oneself or through personal sponsorship. 안전놀이터 Figure skating has no concept of monthly salary. They are teenage athletes and often rely entirely on support from their parents.
It is hard to find a training site for figure skating due to the nature of sports. Kim Yu-na has never experienced the bad practice of washing clothes for her seniors, but she had as many difficulties as she did. Then, how did she solve the financial problem.
Figure skating was possible because it allowed individual support. As Kim Yu-na has unrivaled star quality and outstanding skills, leading conglomerates such as Nike, Samsung Electronics, KB Kookmin Bank, Hyundai Motor, and Coca-Cola supported her.
Unlike badminton, figure skating often holds events such as ice shows. All of the competitions featuring Kim Yu-na were sold out and became a box office hit. Eventually, Kim participated in international competitions with support from a dedicated team, and won the gold medal in women’s single figure skating at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Will Ahn and the association find a compromise?
Ahn also wants treatment on a par with Kim. Ahn wants to focus only on sports and not get swept away by external environment. Considering Ahn’s status in the international badminton scene, it is not unreasonable.
However, if the association allows Ahn’s personal support, it is obvious that the current sponsor Yonex will drastically cut the cost of sponsoring the association. If so, the association’s funding will be greatly reduced, which will disrupt its plan to nurture the second Ahn.
However, it would be unreasonable for the association to limit Ahn’s individual sponsorship, which has grown into a world-class player. Public opinion is also on Ahn’s side. The association should find a compromise through dialogue, such as releasing an individual sponsorship contract with Ahn on condition.
