Indian women team withdraws from Badminton Asia C'ships due to coronavirus threat

India on Friday withdrew its women badminton team from upcoming Badminton Asia Championships in wake of fast-spreading coronavirus but men's team will compete at event in Manila. Badminton Association of India (BAI) had named a second-string women team for tournament to be held from February 11 to 16 but a full-strength men's side which features World Championship bronze medallist B Sai Praneeth.

"Unforeseen health hazard apprehension due to Corona Virus outbreak has resulted in withdrawal of women's team for upcoming Badminton Asian Championships, which is starting from Feb 11-16, 2020 in Manila, Philippines," BAI said in a statement. 

"Badminton Association of India (BAI) had reached out to concerned authorities in Badminton Asia (BA) for assurances regarding current situation and necessary health advisory and precautionary measures taken. 

"After receiving complete assurances from BA, BAI had discussed same with Indian squad, men's team agreed to travel and confirmed ir participation however, women's team was withdrawn owing to concerns showed by parents and players," BAI secretary general Ajay Kumar Singhania said.

women's was supposed to be be led by young shuttlers Ashmita Chaliha and Malvika Bansod after Olympic medallists Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu decided to give event a miss. Saina and Sindhu decided to skip event to focus on Olympic qualification. men's team will leave for Manila on February 9.

India had fielded a full-strength men's team while upcoming group of shuttlers have been given a chance to showcase ir prowess in women's section of Badminton Asia Team Championships.  Indian men's team, which won bronze medal in Hyderabad in 2016, will be spearheaded by Praneeth with former World .1 Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prany, Subhankar Dey and Lakshya Sen in squad. With Olympic qualification being top priority, event will give India's elite men's players a chance to garner crucial points ahead of mega quadrennial games. In doubles events, fast improving pair of Dhruv Kapila and MR Arjun would be looking to impress everyone in tournament and also compliment Thailand Open champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in team championships.