Kuala Lumpur, Dec 9 (UNI) The Badminton World Federation (BWF) issued a statement on the withdrawal of Indonesian players from the World Championships, which will take place in Huelva, Spain.
Badminton Indonesia on Wednesday announced their withdrawal from the upcoming BWF World championships, citing the Covid-19 concerns.
"The Badminton World Federation (BWF) can confirm the withdrawal of a large contingent of Indonesian players from the BWF World Championships 2021 starting December 12 in Huelva, Spain."
"A small number of Indonesian players remain in the draw," BWF said in a statement.
The sports governing body also expressed its disappointment over Indonesia’s decision to withdraw from the mega event.
"BWF is disappointed with the decision by PBSI and regret that the withdrawal took place after the draw."
After Indonesian contingent, the defending champion Kento Momota of Japan also decided to pull out of the tournament after citing a back injury. Earlier, Momota withdrew from the BWF World Tour Finals 2021 last week with a back issue.
"BWF can also confirm the unfortunate news that world No.2 and men’s singles defending champion Kento Momota has pulled out with injury."
This was not enough, as the Rio Olympics silver medallist men's doubles pair of Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying of Malaysia too pulled out after splitting their 13-year partnership.
"Malaysian seventh seeded Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying on Monday announced their split as a pair after 13 years and have too withdrawn from the World Championships."
The statement further read, “A majority of players have now arrived safely in Huelva and entered the tournament bubble. Round one matches start 9am local time on Sunday. There are currently no plans to conduct any redraws.”
"However, BWF and the Spanish Badminton Federation are now focused on delivering a safe and successful World Championships in line with the advice and measures put in place by the local and national health authorities, including a comprehensive set of safety protocols for all players, team officials and key stakeholders."
UNI BAV PN