Badminton: Saina and Prannoy withdraw from Thailand Open

Parupalli Kashyap will not participated in the tournament.

Two players of the Indian badminton team on Tuesday tested positive for COVID-19. The Indian squad, which travelled to Bangkok to participate in the Yonex Thailand Open followed by Toyota Thailand Open, had tested negative during the first two tests that were conducted earlier.

However, Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal and HS Pronnoy were tested positive during the third test, which was done on Monday.

Badminton Association of India (BAI) General Secretary Ajay Singhania said, “We are constantly in touch with the BWF as well as the organisers and our team management and players. These are unprecedented times but BWF is doing everything to ensure full support to our players including their safety.”

After testing positive, both the players have been taken to the hospital to be isolated for a minimum period of 10 days. While Parupalli Kashyap has also withdrawn from the tournament and is quarantined in his hotel room due to close proximity with Nehwal.

“According to the guidelines and safety norms, these three players will not be participating in the tournament. However, all other players have been allowed to participate but they have to play without the presence of coaches and support staff as per the safety protocols,” Singhania added.

The first tournament of the Thailand leg, Yonex Thailand Open began on Tuesday. The entire Indian contingent despite being tested negative in the pre-tournament test is expected to be re-tested today once again.