Bangkok: Former World No.1 badminton player Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy have tested positive for coronavirus. They were all set to take part in the Thailand Open tournament commencing from today, but unfortunately, they had to withdraw and are currently quarantined at a Bangkok hospital.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has twitted that they have to stay isolated in Bangkok for at least 10 days. “Two Indian players have tested positive for COVID-19 — Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy. Both players have been withdrawn from the tournament and have to be isolated in hospital for a minimum 10 days. BAI in constant touch with BWF, Team Management, Players and Organizers,” BAI tweeted on Tuesday.
NEWS UPDATE:
Badminton Association of India is in constant touch with @bwf, players, team management and organizers. @himantabiswa @AJAYKUM78068675 #badminton pic.twitter.com/CBilGCpmO4— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) January 12, 2021
Though Saina seemed to be a bit confused when she was taken to the hospital. She tagged Badminton World Federation (BWF) in a tweet, “I still didn’t receive the covid test report from yesterday it’s very confusing and today just before the warm up for the match they tell me to got to hospital in bangkok … saying that I m positive ..according to rules the report should come in 5 hours.”
I still didn’t receive the covid test report from yesterday it’s very confusing and today just before the warm up for the match they tell me to got to hospital in bangkok … saying that I m positive ..according to rules the report should come in 5 hours.. @bwfmedia https://t.co/ETkWiNVHnP
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) January 12, 2021
BWF released a statement confirming four positive coronavirus players. “Can confirm four players tested positive for COVID-19 in Bangkok, Thailand today after the third round of mandatory testing was conducted on Monday 11 January 2021.”
“The entire Indian team has been categorised high risk by Thai health authorities and all players and team entourage are currently self-quarantining in their rooms at the hotel and will be subject to a PCR test today,” BWF said. “India players scheduled to play today will be allowed to come to the venue. No coaches, managers or other personnel from Team India are allowed.”
Several other Indian players are participating in the tournament. PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth among others will be seen in action.
