The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has asked its players to give a written consent mentioning that they will be going to Denmark at their own risk and will not be the association’s responsibility.
The BAI sent out an email to players that read, “In case no communication is received in the stipulated time (17 September), we will understand that you are not willing to participate in the Danisa Denmark Open 2020.”
It is indicated that the BAI wanted to be a mere forwarding agency and not a sports body when badminton restarted. BWF Secretary Thomas Lund messaged BAI and said, “The Denmark Open will still go ahead…It remains a priority to restart international badminton.”
According to reports by the Times of India, world champion P.V. Sindhu has pulled out from going to Denmark. Saina Nehwal, Srikanth Kidambi, Parupalli Kashyap, Ajay Jayaram, Subhankar Dey and Lakshya Sen have confirmed their participation for Denmark Open.
Sindhu said, “I have pulled out of the Denmark Open. Since TUB was a team event, I wanted to represent my country. Now that it’s postponed, there is no point going to Denmark…I am planning to compete in the three Asian tournaments.”
Of the six players who will be going to Denmark only Saina Nehwal, Srikanth Kidambi and Lakshya Sen would be sponsored by the government.
An official from the BAI said, “We are not shying away from responsibilities. Even for shuttlers not sponsored by the government, we will arrange for visa, accommodation on concessional rates and any other help.”
