Report: Ajay Jayaram obstructed from boarding flight for Denmark Open

The shuttler will have to find a flight before Sunday to participate in the tournament that starts from October 13.

Renowned badminton star Ajay Jayaram could not board the British Airways flight to participate in the Denmark Open BWF Super-750 tournament on Friday morning. The 33-year-old claims to be unaware of the mandatory rules to travel via the concerned airlines. There was a transit stop of his flight in London and he is also oblivious of the quarantine rules that are existent in the city. Hence, he was prevented from mounting his aeroplane.

“I am not aware of the rules. So, I went to airport and was refused to be allowed. There were some rules like the 'air bubble' type. The ticket also is refundable,” Jayaram said to the Times of India. Kidambi Srikanth, Lakhsya Sen and Subhankar Dey are on their way to Denmark as they are travelling through Air France flight. Jayaram is now trying to contact the same airways for his journey to Denmark.

The shuttler explained, “I am trying to contact Air France. I have a valid type C visa with Covid negative certificate and invitation letter from organisers stating my cause. So far I did not get any response. I am hoping for the best.” For Jayaram to participate in the Denmark Open, he will have to find a flight before Sunday. The tournament starts from October 13 at Odense and will last till October 18.

Rather unfortunately, neither the Badminton Association of India (BAI) nor the Sports Authority of India (SAI) assisted the athlete as he was involved in this fracas. The three other badminton players had departed from Delhi and the former Dutch Open Champion will try to do the same now. “I have tweeted and waiting for their (authorities’) response. But no help came from their side so far. The other shuttlers travelled via Delhi and if possible I may do the same,” Ajay Jayaram stated.

India’s sporting federations should arguably be more considerate towards the grievances and troubles faced by their country’s sportspersons ahead of such crucial competitions.

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