Source: REUTERS/IVAN ALVARADO
[Saba Sports News] South Korea’s badminton men’s doubles project has
been dealt a significant blow. Choi Sol-gyu, who had high expectations of
winning a medal at the Paris Olympics, has been expelled from the national team
and suspended for two years. The incident took place during the Korean Open in
July of this year. Choi Sol-gyu failed to attend training due to being under
the influence of alcohol and also brought his girlfriend into the national team
dormitory. This incident received widespread media coverage and had a negative
impact on the daily training of the national team. Upon learning about his
suspension, Choi Sol-gyu expressed anger and verbally mentioned retirement,
stating that he would not participate in next year’s national team trials.
However, as of now, he has not formally submitted a retirement application.
Choi Sol-gyu is an exceptional men’s doubles player. He partnered with Kim
Won-ho and achieved second place in the men’s badminton doubles and third place
in the men’s badminton team at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. Their partnership
was considered the top men’s doubles combination in South Korea. With Choi
Sol-gyu’s suspension or even retirement, it signifies the end of their
partnership. Kim Won-ho will have to seek a new partner and restart his men’s
doubles career.