Jakarta: Organisers of the World Badminton Championships apologised yesterday for playing a Franco-era anthem for Spain’s Carolina Marin after she defended India’s Saina Nehwal for her women’s singles title. The 22-year-old smiled as organisers played the old version of the anthem that includes lyrics by poet Jose Maria Peman.

Carolina Marin, wrapped in the Spanish flag, poses with her gold medal following her win over India’s Saina Nehwal in the World Badminton Championships final at Jakarta yesterday. Pic/AFP