Carolina Marin criticizes new service rule to be implemented by BWF

Olympic champion Carolina Marin joined the chorus of voices criticizing Badminton World Federation (BWF)’s decision to implement a new service rule, which will be tried at the prestigious All England Championships in March. In a bid to improve the game and eliminate errors by the service judges, the BWF has proposed that the ‘whole of the shuttle shall be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court at the instant of being hit by the server’s racket.’

The experimental service law has invited a lot of criticism from the biggest names, including Viktor Axelsen and Saina Nehwal. The move will make it difficult for the taller shuttlers, which was highlighted by the world champion Axelsen in a fun video earlier.

Marin too voiced her displeasure in an interaction with the press after the Premier Badminton League (PBL) 2018 final, where she led the Hyderabad Hunters to their maiden title.

“I don’t think it is a good idea,” said the two-time world champion, adding, “Maybe for me it is not really bad because I am not so tall. Maybe the taller players would have a problem, but let’s see.”

When asked if she has started practising it with the All England Championships being less than two months away, Marin’s face clearly said it all. Just like her peers, she too hasn’t and has absolutely no inkling how much of a help this new rule will be for all.

‘Next goal is to win All England’

But the 24-year-old was firm about one thing and that’s her next goal. The former World No. 1, who came to participate at the PBL 2018 after suffering a hip injury, seems to have overcome the problem. The Spaniard moved brilliantly all over the court in all her six matches and remained unbeaten at the end of the league.

Marin is on a mission and that is to reinstate herself where she once belonged -- the top of the world. With the hunger and determination oozing from her words, Marin stated that she wants to win the All England Championships again, something she has already conquered in 2015.

“My next goal is to be the All England champion,” she said.

And to ensure that she gets to accomplish her goal, she intends to use her next three tournaments as the training ground.

“Of course I now have to play three tournaments in Malaysia, Indonesia and India. I want to do a good job. If I win some title or reach the finals, it would be really good,” explained the southpaw.