Sai Praneeth pulls out of Thomas Cup, Denmark Open after PV Sindhu agrees to play

This week, Indian shuttler B Sai Praneeth pulled out of Thomas Cup team (October 3 to 11) and Denmark Open. Sai Praneeth's decision comes a day after PV Sindhu agreed to participate in Thomas Cup. Earlier, reigning World Champion had opted out of upcoming events due to some personal reasons. 

Also read | Rio Olympics silver medalist PV Sindhu agrees to participate in Thomas and Uber Cup: Badminton news

Why is Sai Praneeth pulling out of Thomas Cup and Denmark Open? 

As per reports, Praneeth has chosen to sit out tournament because he is lacking required fitness. World .13 said that he resumed training on September 6, but needed rest after some "niggles" and pain. Due to long COVID-19-forced haitus, Praneeth has chosen to resume training a "very low-intensity" as he does t want to rush into a top tournament with doubtful fitness and risk aggravation and injury. 

Praneeth has decided to opt-out of all European tournaments and will focus on participating in Asian events. w, Srikanth will lead India's Thomas Cup team, along with Parupalli Kashyap, Shubhankar Dey and Lakshya Sen. 

Also read | PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, Sai Praneeth badminton update: Olympic hopefuls return to national camp

SAI Pullela Gopichand Academy is looking to start training as soon as y can, considering countries have to anunced final squads by September 18. As per reports, academy is trying to fast-track process, which includes a ten-day quarantine to secure training bubble in Hyderabad.  Indian Express reported that Hyderabad-based shuttlers want to travel from home, while ors are expected to meet at academy. It was also reported that several players have safety concerns about national camp.

Also read | Sai Praneeth makes a donation of Rs. 4 lakh as India fights COVID-19: Sai Praneeth badminton

PV Sindhu to play in upcoming international events

On or hand, Badminton Association of India (BAI) confirmed Monday that Sindhu would play upcoming events. As per reports, BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma convinced 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist to play. Before confirmation, Sharma tweeted about participating in Thomas and Uber Cup. Apart form Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Ashmita Chaliha, Aakarshi Kashyap, Malvika Bansod, Ira Sharma, Meghna Jakkampudi, Poorvisha Ram, Sanjana Santosh and Ashwini Bhatt will also be part of women's team. Apart from Sai Praneeth, men's doubles pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have also pulled out of tournament.

Also read | Saina Nehwal trains for Uber Cup at national camp, Chirag-Satwik to miss Thomas Cup: Badminton news

(Im credits: B Sai Praneeth Instagram)