Engelstalige verklaring over 'Dutch conflict'

Ken je Swift '64 al?

Aangezien dit verhaal ook enkele vragen opriep, heeft bondsvoorzitter Ted van der Meer een ingezonden brief gestuurd die in de reacties vinden is. Dit is de letterlijke tekst van de brief:

Letter from the Netherlands

Dear badminton friends,

During the election for presidency of Badminton Nederland last Saturday, I made several remarks about the YONEX sponsorship which should perhaps be clarified.

I explained that on the one hand, the contract is a blessing for our association. On the other hand, it creates a complex and controversial situation with bad press and a lot of discussion among Dutch badminton fans, because not all top Dutch players are included in the Yonex contract.

In the article "DUTCH CONFLICT – The end of the tunnel?" you can read that without these top singles players we were not very successful in the BWF Double Star Sudirman Cup in China. In February at the European Mixed Team Championships in Amsterdam we reached the quarter finals, which was a fine result—again, without the top singles players. The spectators and media were not interested, however, because our four top singles players were not present.

In that context, I mentioned that MAYBE it would be a good thing if Badminton Nederland would lose the upcoming appeal. I simply described the dilemma. At that moment I was not yet even President! Now, as President of Badminton Nederland, I'm confident that we will win the appeal.

However, whether we win or lose, by consulting all parties involved I pledge to do my upmost to resolve this conflict.

Best regards,
Ted van der Meer
President Badminton Nederland