Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed today in an official release that Sai Praneeth B has tested positive for Covid-19 at the ongoing Toyota Thailand Open. He has been withdrawn from the tournament.
His opponent Daren Liew of Malaysia has officially received a walkover in the first round match on Wednesday.
BWF said Sai Praneeth tested positive for Covid-19 in the mandatory PCR test done on Monday. He has been taken to a hospital for further observation and will spend at least 10 days there.
Kidambi Srikanth who was Sai Praneeth’s roommate at the hotel has been withdrawn from the tournament in accordance with BWF health safety protocols.
Kidambi, however, tested negative in Monday’s PCR test and is currently in strict self-quarantine.
It is further notified that restrictions of movement of the Indian team have been implemented in coordination with the Thai health authorities, Badminton Association of Thailand and BWF.
The other Indian players are cleared to compete in the tournament upon producing a negative test result for Covid-19 each day.
It is highly likely that Indian players will compete without a coach during matches, as was done last week when Saina Nehwal tested positive.