KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai have called on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to review its "problematic" medical regulation, claiming it jeopardises the welfare and careers of players.
Under the new rule introduced last November, players are barred from seeking medical attention during games, except during intervals.
Tournament-provided cold sprays are also no longer allowed, leaving players to depend on their own supplies or medical staff during breaks.
Soon Huat felt the wrath of the new ruling during a group match at last month's World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou.
The shuttler suffered a rib injury during the match against Indonesia's Dejan Ferdinansyah- Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja but was denied medical assistance.
Despite the pain, he pushed through, as the pair won and reached the semi-finals.
"I've seen many players injured and unable to get immediate treatment. It's not a good idea," said Shevon after testing the courts at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday ahead of the Malaysia Open Super 1000.
"Perhaps the BWF believes some players were exploiting the previous medical time-out rule to delay matches.
"However, denying help to those genuinely injured is heartbreaking.
"We hope the BWF and its Athletes' Commission reconsider this decision. Saying 'No' to medical requests is tough for players who give their all on court."
The new ruling also impacted men's singles star Lee Zii Jia at the WTF.
The world No. 6 was denied ankle treatment during a group match against China's Li Shifeng. Forced to retire, he left the court in a wheelchair.
Despite qualifying for the semi-finals after winning two prior matches, Zii Jia's results were nullified due to the withdrawal, as stipulated by tournament rules.
He is now recovering and has withdrawn from the Malaysia Open, which begins Tuesday.
"If Zii Jia had received immediate treatment, he might have continued and possibly won the match."
Shevon added. "It was tough watching his campaign end that way."
Meanwhile, world No. 6 Soon Huat-Shevon hope to end the nation's 60-year wait for a mixed doubles title at the Malaysia Open.
Teh Kew San-Ng Mei Ling were the last Malaysian pair to win the event in 1965.
"Many Malaysian pairs are performing well and pushing us on court.
"I believe one of us can end the drought," said Shevon, 31.
Soon Huat, 34, drew confidence from their triumph at the Malaysia Masters last year at the same venue.
"Standing on top of the podium in a home tournament is a special feeling. The electrifying final gave us a huge boost."
Other local pairs with title potential include world No. 5 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and world No. 20 Ho Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin.
However, Soon Huat-Shevon aim to lead the charge and secure the long-awaited title.