Previously, FIPJP sent a letter to the Thai National Olympic Committee, issuing a ban on organizing iron badminton at the 33rd SEA Games. The letter cited the fact that the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) continues to support the Thai Iron Ball Association, an organization that has lost its FIPJP membership due to scandals and violations by a leader.
FIPJP also warned that any country that sends athletes to compete will face a two-year ban, until the 34th SEA Games in 2027 in Malaysia. The FIPJP decision has shocked the Southeast Asian iron ball village, because this sport is quite popular in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
According to Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), FIPJP had misunderstandings and issued a penalty. Therefore, SAT sent a letter to explain everything, with the goal of allowing the iron ball to continue to be held at the 33rd SEA Games.
According to Kongsak Yodmanee, SAT does not support the banned association and recognizes the authority of the Central Committee, which was established to supervise team preparation, athlete selection, and participation in the SEA Games.
The SAT governor added that the documents submitted by the National Iron and Steel Association of Thailand had some inconsistent scores. The Association previously did not participate in the preparation process for the SEA Games athletes. Meanwhile, SAT is in the process of amending regulations to allow them to directly disburse allowances to athletes without having to go through the Association.
Mr. Kongsak emphasized that after the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) sent an explanatory letter, the National Olympic Committee of Thailand will be responsible for coordinating with FIPJP to clarify everything further. He expressed hope that the iron ball will continue to be competed in the 33rd SEA Games, which Thailand will host later this year, for the best benefit of athletes and the country.
According to the original plan, the iron ball was on the list of 50 competitive sports, with the competition time expected from December 10 to 15, 2025.
