Indonesia, South Korea latest to withdraw from Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2020

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed on Saturday that teams from Indonesia and South Korea withdraw from the TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2020 in Aarhus, Denmark. They join Australia, Chinese Taipei and Thailand to withdraw from the prestigious badminton competition scheduled between October 3 and 11.

“The handling of the coronavirus outbreak both in Indonesia and other countries has yet to see any improvement,” mentioned the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) secretary-general Achmad Budiharto. While announcing the pull-out, Budiharto stated, “This situation makes players worried.”

The PBSI said it was concerned that players could contract COVID-19 during the tournament. The apex body also confirmed that its players would not participate in the Denmark Open and Denmark Masters scheduled for the next month.

Also Read | Chinese Taipei team withdraws from Thomas and Uber Cup Finals

Thailand announced their withdrawal earlier this week, citing injuries and other COVID-19 related issues. Before them, Australia and Chinese Taipei too decided to miss out on the tournament. Replacements for the teams are yet to be announced.

India announces squads for Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2020

A six-member selection committee announced the Indian team for the upcoming tournament. 

PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal will lead the women contingent for the Uber Cup. While former world number one Kidambi Srikanth and Parupalli Kashyap will lead the men’s team in the Thomas Cup.

B Sai Praneeth opted out of the tournament due to fitness concerns.

Thomas Cup: Kidambi Srikanth, Parupalli Kashyap, Lakshya Sen, Subhankar Dey, Siril Verma, Manu Attri, B. Sumeeth Reddy, M.R. Arjun, Dhruv Kapila, G. Krishna Prasad

Uber Cup: PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Aakarshi Kashyap, Malvika Bansod, Ashwini Ponnappa, N. Sikki Reddy, Pooja Dandu, Sanjana Santosh, Poorvisha S. Ram, Jakkampudi Meghana

Also Read | PV Sindhu to participate in Thomas and Uber Cup