Badminton Association of India (BAI) has reached out to the world body, Badminton World Federation (BWF), seeking clarity on the qualification scenario for its shuttlers after the Malaysian Open was postponed on Friday.
“It’s really unfortunate that the crucial qualifier had to be postponed in this way, but that is the time we live in now. Though four of our players have already qualified, and there are a few more including Saina [Nehwal] and [Kidambi] Srikanth who can still make it,” BAI General Secretary Ajay Singhania said in a media release on Friday.
Indians who have already made the cut for the Olympics include P.V. Sindhu, B Sai Praneeth and the men's doubles pairing of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.
“With the postponement of Malaysia Open, the qualification hopes of remaining Indian players now depends on the final qualifying event--Singapore Open (June 1-6). Singapore has suspended flights from India due to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases. However, BAI is in touch with the Singapore Badminton Association and is trying to find the best possible way regarding the mandatory 21-day quarantine rule.
“We will do whatever best possible can be done to find a better way out so that the shuttlers get the chance to secure the Olympic berths if there’s scope and opportunity,” Singhania said.
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