Covid-19 threat: Seven players pull out of India Open after testing positive for Covid-19
Last updated on January 21st, 2022 at 07:07 am
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the country and hampered all activities including sports events. The Covid-19 virus has now affected the India Open tournament as seven Indian players tested positive for Covid-19.
Kidambi Srikanth, Ashwini Ponnappa, Ritika Thakar, Treesa Jolly, Mithun Manjunath, Simran Singhi, and Khushi Gupta have tested positive for Covid-19. The players returned a positive result to a mandatory RT-PCR test conducted on Tuesday. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) shared the news on Thursday. The players have reportedly withdrawn from the event.
Reportedly, these players will not be replaced in the main draw of the competition and their opponents will be given a walkover to the next round.
Testing protocols have been implemented under BWF and Badminton Association of India guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all participants during the tournament.
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The India Open got underway on January 11. Round two of the tournament commenced today at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi.
Players test positive for Covid-19
Earlier, B Sai Praneeth, the 2019 world championship bronze medallist tested positive for the deadly virus. Subsequently, double specialists Manu Attri and Dhruv Rawat tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. Consequently, they were pulled out before the start of the tournament.
The BAI organised the 2022 edition of the India Open. It is being held behind closed doors at the Indira Gandhi Stadium’s KD Jadhav Indoor Hall. Abiding the COVID-19 protocols, all the participating players are tested every day at the hotel and outside the stadium. It is being done to protect the players from the deadly virus.
The entire England badminton contingent had also withdrawn ahead of the Super 500 event because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Reportedly, England’s doubles specialist Sean Vendy and coach Nathan Robertson were tested positive for the deadly virus. It hampered the Super 500 event.