BAI names full-strength squad; Sindhu, Saina to compete for first time since virus break

 India's top shuttlers PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal will be seen in action for first time since coronavirus-forced break when y compete in three upcoming tournaments in Bangkok, including prestigious BWF World Tour Finals.

With Olympic qualifications in mind, Badminton Association of India (BAI) on Monday anunced a strong eight-member squad to participate in three upcoming tournaments, scheduled in January.

team, consisting of Olympic-bound shuttlers Sindhu, Saina, B Sai Praneeth, Kidambi Srikanth, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Ashwini Ponappa and N Sikki Reddy, will begin ir campaign with Yonex Thailand Open from January 12-17.

That will be followed by Toyota Thailand Open (January 19-24) and prestigious HSBC BWF World Tour Finals which is rescheduled for January 27-31.

After coronavirus outbreak in March disrupted sporting world resulting in cancellation or postponement of a number of tournaments, this will be first time that top Indian players, apart from Srikanth, will feature in any international tournament.

former World . 1, Srikanth had made a comeback when he played Denmark Open in October.

"We are very happy to see badminton finally getting back on court. It gives us hope that tournaments can eventually make a steady comeback in near future. Most of our players haven't played tournaments in last 7-8 months," BAI general secretary Ajay Singhania said.

"However, y have been training to best of ir abilities at camp. purpose of sending a full-strength team in se tournaments so that players can get much-needed tournament practice ahead of Olympic qualifiers," he added.

team will also be accompanied by singles foreign coaches Agus Dwi Santoso and Park Tae Sang and doubles coach Dwi Kristiawan alongside support staff consisting of Kiran Challagundla, Johnson, Evangelina Baddam, and M Srikanth. 

(Im Courtesy: PTI)