CURRENT number-one female badminton player Katherine Wynter has expressed anger toward the Jamaica Badminton Association (JBA) on how it selected players for awards at the RJR Sports Foundation National Sportsman and Sportswoman

of the Year Awards Ceremony, claiming the selection panel’s decision was not based on performance.

Speaking to the Jamaica Observer after the names of the awardees were announced, Wynter lashed out at the selectors for not considering her for the top award.

“I am very angry and disappointed at the selection panel’s decision of awardees for the RJR National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year awards for badminton, particularly in the female selection. It is clear that their choice of who they think deserves this award has nothing to do with performance, both locally and internationally,” Wynter said.

“I have won every local tournament I entered last year, namely the All Jamaica Junior Championships, where I won both singles and mixed doubles events, the Tournament of Kings, where I was the singles champion, and, most importantly, the All Jamaica Seniors and Masters Championships, where I again was the singles champion.

“I won three medals (two gold and one silver) at the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) International Championship last year and yet still I wasn’t considered for the award,” the 18-year-old added.

Wynter said that the selection panel’s choice for the award was biased.

“What the selectors have done is to make it crystal clear that they are biased in their choice of awardees. It is unfair and it is wrong, as they have given the award to someone who has not won any local tournaments last year nor any international tournaments as well.

“I have asked many why this was the decision made and no one could give me a legitimate reason for this (choice) that has been displayed because they all know what you have done is wrong.

“I was told that it is simply because she (Geordine Henry) has gone to more tournaments than I have and therefore she has a higher international ranking than I do, not because she has performed at any of these tournaments much less the local ones. A number cannot be the only criteria used to make this decision as in 2013 I had the higher ranking and still did not get the award,” an angry Wynter told the Jamaica Observer.

As a result of this decision, Wynter said she is unsure whether she will continue to play or quit the game.

“Results and winnings as far as I know play an important role in choosing such a representative. I have the results from 2014, I have performed and yet still my hard work and commitment cannot be recognised. I have rightfully earned the title of number one female in the island, but there is nothing to show for it. This gives me no incentive to continue in this sport because even when I win and prove myself I still lose the battle,” she ended.

Meanwhile, Robert Richards, former JBA president and a member of the selection panel, said that the decision not to consider Wynter for the award was not based on bias.

“Wynter had no great results in any senior overseas tournament last year. Locally she won the Under-19, juniors titles and no seniors. She has won the All Jamaica Senior Singles title, but unfortunately that does not count as nominations were sent in before that tournament had begun.

“Geordine Henry has gone to more overseas tournaments than Wynter and Henry has done quite well there, so it was not a biased decision,” he explained.