Malaysian shuttler Aaron Chia has urged the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to reduce questionable officiating, especially regarding service faults.
Citing recent incidents, including a disputed call at the Malaysia Masters involving teammates Kang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai, Chia argued that such decisions could be avoided with video reviews. In that match, a Danish smash was ruled to have touched Tai’s head despite replays suggesting otherwise.
Chia also pointed out that service judges’ varying heights and viewing angles affect judgment, despite the standard 1.15m service rule. He faced a similar setback at the Singapore Open when a service fault disrupted his rhythm in the final.
He further urged the BWF to show greater understanding when players request medical timeouts, emphasizing that not all are tactical delays, as some athletes genuinely need treatment.
