Bodin Issara was banned for two years by the Badminton Association of Thailand for physical assault after his ugly on-court brawl with former doubles partner Maneepong Jongjit during the final of the Canada Open last week.
The BAT also handed Maneepong a three-month ban for provocation after lengthy deliberations on Saturday night in Bangkok. The duo could face further penalties with an investigation by the Badminton World Federation still ongoing.
“Everything we have done in 60 years collapsed just because of one person. In my six decades in this sport, I haven’t seen a more violent case than this,” BAT president Charoen Wattanasin was quoted as saying on Sunday.
“I have been requested to be gentle in the measures but this is not about my feelings or others’ feelings. It’s a matter of the country’s image.”
The duo, both 22, teamed up for Thailand at the London Olympics and were competing on opposite sides for the first time since their split and tensions blew up in a feisty men’s doubles contest which ended with Bodin’s disqualification after he chased Maneepong around the arena.