Saina Nehwal and Kashyap Parupalli withdraw from Denmark Open

Indian star shuttler Saina Nehwal and Kashyap Parupalli pulled out of Denmark Open 2020. The tournament marks the restart of international badminton world tour which was brought to a halt due to the pandemic.

“I withdrew from Denmark Open. I decided that I will start the season from January only with the Asian tour,” Saina told PTI.

The BAI had mandated a consent letter for participation in the Denmark Open. The duo had sent their letters and entries for the World tour event. The Denmark Open is the only world tour event scheduled for this year.

No Saina, No Sindhu in Denmark Open

With the withdrawal of Nehwal, there is no representation of women in any category from India. In the men’s singles category Srikanth Kidambi, Ajay Jayaram, Subhankar Dey and Lakshya Sen will be participating in the Men’s singles category.

Also Read: Badminton: Kento Momota pulls out of Denmark Open

Asked if she has any fitness concerns ahead of Denmark Open, Saina Nehwal, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, said, “There is no injury issue but if three tournaments were there it would have made sense… I thought directly from January, I can go for the Asian tour.”

World number 24, Parupalli Kashyap also decided to skip the event for similar reasons. “I too feel it is not worth the risk to go all the way for one tournament. It is better to start the season afresh participating in the Asia leg from January,” he said.

The Thomas and Uber Cup Finals has been postponed to 2021. The Asian Leg of the World Tour was supposed to be held in November-December 2020. The BWF has now scheduled for it to be held in January 2021. Denmark Open II has also been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Also Read: Badminton: Asian Leg of tournaments to be held in January 2021