Kolkata: Former Indian badminton coach Vimal Kumar has condemned the withdrawal of Asian nations from Thomas and Uber Cup. “What Asian nations have done, it is really disappointing. There are no major issues in these countries, they are having local events there, so to pull out in this way, is a big setback for the sport,” he told PTI on Tuesday (September 16).
The Thomas and Uber cup is now postponed for the third time this year, which was supposed to be held in Aarhus, Denmark from October 3 to 11. “I understand the concern that players have but they have to take the onus. It is an individual sport, look how tennis players have done it, the government cannot always do everything for you. Players need competition and if you are eager to play then just go and play and if you are too stressed then better to skip it,” the coach said.
India have announced both men and women for the tournament. However, due to the withdrawal of top teams like Indonesia, China, Algeria, Hong Kong from the event, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) postponed the tournament.
News Update: Badminton Association of India statement on BWF postponement of #ThomasUberCup2020 Final that was scheduled to take place from October 3-11,2020. #badminton #BAI @bwfmedia | @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/Jo9VWKbZD7
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) September 15, 2020
Though BWF had decided to hold Denmark Open in Odense, a BWF World Tour Event, which is originally planned from October 13-18, while cancelling the Denmark Masters that was slated for October 20-25. Few Indian players including Saina Nehwal, P V Sindhu and Parupalli Kashyap are still confused about whether to go along or not.
“We are still confused what to do under the circumstances. Saina has got a visa for Denmark and I have applied for it but we are still undecided about participation,” Kashyap said. “There are many questions like what happens if I test positive? Will I be sent back home or I will have to stay there for 14 days? Who takes care of the expenses and responsibility?”
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) wrote to the players, asking them to submit their consent if they decide to participate in the tournament. “I received a letter from BAI, asking for submission of consent to participate. It is an open tournament, so it is okay. We will take a call in the next 3-4 days about participation,” Kashyap said.
 wrote to the players, asking them to submit their consent if they decide to participate in the tournament. ){kind=link}