Coronavirus Scare: 7 Indians Won't Play In England Badminton Tournament; Sindhu, Srikanth Will
However, top India shuttler PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, and B Sai Praneeth are expected to take part in All England Open badminton championships beginning on March 11.
As coronavirus continues to pose a serious threat, HS Prannoy, Sameer Verma and Sourabh Verma and 4 other Indian shuttlers have pulled out of the All England Open badminton championships beginning on March 11.
BAI
Doubles specialists Chirag Shetty, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy have also decided to pull out of the prestigious tournament as they decided to not 'risk travel' at a time when the COVID-19 has led to over 3300 deaths worldwide. The confirmed cases in the UK have also risen to 87.
However, top India shuttler PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, and B Sai Praneeth are expected to take part in All England as the tournament is set to kick off on the scheduled date after the authorities said last week that they are 'closely monitoring' the situation.
PTI
¡°Some of the players have written to BAI, informing about their decision to withdraw from the All England Championships. Top doubles pair of Shetty and Rankireddy, Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy, H S Prannoy, Sameer Verma and Sourabh Verma have so far withdrawn,¡± said BAI secretary Ajay Singhania.
¡°On the other hand, Saina Nehwal, P V Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy and Pranaav Jerry Chopra will be participating in the tournament.¡±
BWF
While countries across the world are coming to grips with the health calamity caused by coronavirus outbreak, sports leagues and tournaments have been massively effected as well.
¡°Everyone is worried about the Coronoravirus outbreak. In the United Kingdom, the number of infected has touched 90, so it is a concern. Also, we had to travel via Dubai Airport, which is one of the busiest airports, it makes one vulnerable,¡± Chirag said.
Concerns over the rapid spread of the deadly virus have already forced the postponement of four Olympic qualifying events so far -- Lingshui China Masters (February 25 to March 1), Vietnam International Challenge (24-29 March 24-29),German Open (March 3 to 8) and Polish Open (March 26-29).
