Saina, Prannoy withdraw from Asia Leg Tournament after testing positive for COVID-19

NEW DELHI:

Top Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy tested positive for COVID-19 in the third round of tests in Thailand on Tuesday.

The pair who had recovered from COVID-19 last month were auspicious towards participating in the Asia Leg events comprising the Thailand Open (January 12-17), TOYOTA Thailand Open (January 19-24) and the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2020 (January 27-31).

However, the players were asked to withdraw from the YONEX Thailand Open Super 100 tournament because of the infection.

Saina had also shared a video on social media while undergoing the test.

“3rd COVID test here in Bangkok... The tournament starts tomorrow #bangkok #Thailandopen #tournament #badminton,” Saina tweeted.

“After testing positive, they took both players to the hospital where they will remain in isolation for ten days. While Parupalli Kashyap has also withdrawn from the tournament and is quarantined in his hotel room because of close proximity with Nehwal,” the Badminton Association of India said in a statement.

Saina was scheduled to play Kisona Salvaduray of Malaysia in the first round on Tuesday. Prannoy and Kashyap were supposed to face Malaysia’s eighth seed, Lee Zii Jia and Canada’s Jason Anthony Ho-Shue.

“According to the guidelines and safety norms, these three players will not take part in the tournament. However, all other players have been allowed to take part but must play without the presence of coaches and support staff as per the safety protocols,” BAI general secretary Ajay Singhania said.

Having cleared the pre-departure COVID-19 test, they tested negative on arrival in Bangkok.

(Edited by Marbamonlang Rani)