Odisha Open Badminton: The last leg of BWF tournaments Odisha Open has lost its star attraction in Saina Nehwal. The former Olympic medallist, who was seeded No1, has pulled out of the tournament amid rising cases of Covid. The No 1 seed in men’s singles Parupalli Kashyap has also pulled out due to an injury from the Super 100 tournament which began on Tuesday in Cuttack.
While Saina Nehwal was drawn and was slated to play, she pulled out at the last minute. It is still unknown why she withdrew. But her husband and fellow shuttler P Kashyap is recovering from a torn calf muscle.
Odisha Open Badminton: Saina Nehwal & Kashyap pull out amid rising cases of Covid cases in Odisha Open
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Odisha Open Badminton: Saina Nehwal & Kashyap pull out amid rising cases of Covid cases in Odisha Open
Meanwhile, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has clarified that there is no problem with the testing machinery after a high number of shuttlers tested positive at the Odisha Open. It shaw multiple players pulling out from the main draw. Players from the qualifiers made the number in the main draw.
“The tests are being conducted according to the protocols set by the Badminton World Federation through a designated lab and there was no reason to question the authenticity of the reports,” the BAI said.
Odisha Open Badminton: Saina Nehwal & Kashyap pull out amid rising cases of Covid cases in Odisha Open
The lab which is conducting the tests for participants in the Odisha Open is an ICMR Lab run directly by the Government of India and boasts of the highest level of precision in its protocols.
“As per protocol, BWF upholds the findings of this lab only. Similar process was followed at the India Open and Syed Modi International and no exception was made at the Odisha Open as well,” BAI secretary Ajay K Singhania said in a statement on Wednesday.
“BAI is also grateful to the Odisha Government for supporting the sport and also hosting the tournament in these tough times,” Singhania said, adding that the facilities in Cuttack have been state-of-art.
Odisha Open Badminton: Saina Nehwal & Kashyap pull out amid rising cases of Covid cases in Odisha Open
