An, who is currently the world number one in the sport, won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics last Monday by defeating China's He Bingjiao with scores of 21-13 and 21-16. However, her success on the international stage has been overshadowed by her claims about the role the Badminton Federation of Korea has played in her medical care.

After winning the title, An revealed to South Korean media that "I think it might be difficult to continue with the national team after this moment." The 22-year-old athlete accused the federation of failing to provide the necessary support while she suffered from a knee injury sustained last year. According to An, inadequate attention and an initial misdiagnosis contributed to her suffering.

"I was very disappointed with the federation's performance during my injury process. I really can't get over those moments," An confessed, without going into specific details about her experience. The Olympic champion blamed the organisation for acting with "negligence" in its responsibilities.

In response to the allegations, the Ministry of Sports issued a statement expressing its intention to "ascertain the exact facts as soon as the Olympics conclude" and to "review the need for corrective measures based on the findings obtained." Additionally, the ministry stated it would evaluate potential improvements in the treatment of athletes across other sports disciplines.

In an interview with Yonhap News Agency, An added that the federation had chosen to exclude her from certain competitions without providing explanations. She also criticised the current training system employed by the South Korean team, as she believes the method is outdated and lacks necessary measures to prevent or manage injuries.

Similarly, An noted that doubles players, who have had more success in international competitions, receive more attention in training sessions, as well as more precise medical support compared to individual players.

"I found motivation for success in my anger while setting my goals and pursuing my dreams," said the new queen of badminton. "I wanted to make my voice heard. In a way, my dream was to have a voice." An's case highlights the need for a thorough review of the treatment athletes receive, especially at a time when South Korean badminton is in the global spotlight.