Thailand promises ‘safest badminton in the world’ as China pulls out

Chen Yufei (left) and Chen Long from China attend a press conference ahead of the Thomas and Uber Cups badminton tournament in Bangkok on May 19, 2018 (Photo by Romeo GACAD / AFP).

Thailand’s badminton boss vowed that next month’s restart tournaments will be the “safest in the world” after China’s heavyweights withdrew due to coronavirus restrictions.

China’s withdrawal opens a big gap in the draw for the three events of the world tour on January 12 in Bangkok, the first in Asia since Covid-19 closed the sport in March.

Thai Badminton Association President Patama Leeswadtrakul said China’s anti-coronavirus rules prevented the team, which includes men’s Olympic champion Chen Long and women’s world number two Chen Yufei, from traveling.

“The reason is that the Chinese government does not allow them to leave the country, not only for the sport of badminton but for all kinds of athletes,” Patama told AFP.

The three consecutive tournaments, under closed-door biosecurity “bubble” conditions, culminate in the delayed finals of the 2020 World Tour from January 27.

Patama said that the Thai government has been working to ensure the best health standards, including isolation of players as they get off their flights.

“This bubble competition will be the safest in the world,” said Patama. “After January 4, nobody can enter this bubble and all measures and protocol are very strict for the health and safety of all.”

He admitted that the prospect of playing without fans was a concern for some competitors, who are concerned about how it could affect their performances.

“Our badminton players also mention these same feelings … But we have to seal everyone in the bubble to have the best health this time,” he said.

“We are the only tournament that can host in this world at this time, I mean internationally, globally, at this time of resurgence.”

Thailand has seen a low number of victims of the virus since registering the first case outside China in January.

But new outbreaks in recent weeks have prompted the government to put certain areas under partial restrictions after months of relative normalcy.