Four Indians, including three unnamed players and one member of staff, have been tested positive for Covid-19 at the All England Open Championship.
Issuing a statement, Badminton World Federation (BWF) said that the championship will now be off to a delayed start due to the number of positive and “inconclusive” cases.
“The Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton England can confirm that a significant number of COVID-19 tests conducted for participating teams at the YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2021 were deemed ‘inconclusive’ and as a result, the samples will be rerun,” BWF said in the statement.
“BWF can also confirm that a small number of positive tests were recorded, and in agreement with Public Health England, these cases will be retested. These cases will continue to self-isolate while they are retested. As a result, play will now commence at 2 p.m. GMT on Wednesday 17 March 2021,” it added.
The testing process was something that left a few players confused with 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal and her husband Parupalli Kashyap both tweeting about the developemnt.
“Ok I have to do this now! Matches are starting tomorrow at the @YonexAllEngland and still no reports of the Covid test done 30hrs before. No practice, no gym.. for 2 days now. @bwfmedia,” Saina tweeted.
“What kind of testing is this? 31 hours later still inconclusive and a re-test again god knows when… matches start tomorrow! @YonexAllEngland @bwfmedia #beyondabsurd #ridiculous,” tweeted Kashyap.