Basel: The entire Chinese badminton team has withdrawn from the Swiss Open Super 300 event that kicked off day one in Basel on Tuesday.
Badminton World Federation (BWF) has confirmed that the Chinese team reported a few positive COVID-19 cases among its players.
“The Chinese Badminton Association reported a few positive cases as well as some injuries to players in their team,” said BWF in a statement.
“Citing concerns to the welfare and safety of all participants at the tournament, Team China has subsequently withdrawn all their players from the YONEX Swiss Open 2022,” added BWF.
In addition to the Chinese team, BWF also said: “several players from a number of Member Associations tested positive on their pre-arrival test and arrival test and have been removed from the draw.”
The President of the Chinese Badminton Association told reporters that after withdrawing from the Swiss Open, the Chinese team will first rest and recover in Basel, Switzerland. After that, some players will go to South Korea to participate in the Korea Open and the Korea Masters in April, and those who do not compete will go to the training camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to prepare for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals that will be held in Bangkok, in May.
Some coaches and shuttlers who are currently still training in China will also depart for Thailand to join the Chinese Thomas and Uber Cup teams.
