When PV Sindhu decided to play on at All England despite COVID-19 threat

P V Sindhu was given choice of pulling out of All England Championships after Indian government's travel restrictions came into force but Olympic silver-medallist decided to play on despite chaos triggered by COVID-19 pandemic. On March 11, government issued a revised travel advisory, cancelling all visas till April 15 and making it clear that Indian nationals returning to country from affected countries would be quarantined for 14 days. England is among most-affected by coronavirus outbreak, which has caused more than 9,000 deaths across world. 

When PV Sindhu decided to play on 

"When travel advisory came on March 11 night, next morning Gopi (national coach Pullela Gopichand) had told us that 'this has come so let's t play this match and go back, what do you say?'" Sindhu's far PV Ramana told PTI.

"Only Sindhu, Lakshya (Sen) and Sikki (Reddy) and Ashwini (Ponnappa) were re in second round. We decided to stay back and play, Vimal also said let's play. reason was when we are already here so one more day won't make any difference," he added.

advisory caused significant confusion and concern among top Indian shuttlers, who were in Birmingham for tournament with Parupalli Kashyap sending an SOS to government asking for clarity on situation. opening day of season's first 1000 event had just gotten over and only Sindhu, Lakshya and women's doubles combination of Reddy and Ponnappa were still in fray after Saina Nehwal, Kashyap, and B Sai Praneeth fell at first hurdle. While Lakhsya lost to Viktor Axelsen in second round, Sindhu entered quarterfinals where she eventually lost to Japan's zomi Okuhara next day.

"In England one was wearing masks but we wore masks when we went out of hotel, in stadium, all through our travelling. We took necessary precautions like disinfecting seats in flights with wipes and removing masks only when necessary like eating," said Ramana.

"We were worried that we may have a running se due to cold wear re but we took precautions like doing breathing exercises and having hot water with Tulsi leaves."

Players, including Saina, Kashyap and Ashwini, later slammed Badminton World Federation (BWF) for continuing Championship, saying ir safety was compromised for financial gains. Gopichand also said it was wrong on BWF's part to put players at risk. w in self-solation, Ramana said he is trying to motivate Sindhu in maintaining her fitness despite having access to gym.

"Me and Sindhu are in self isolation w. We are t meeting anyone. My elder daughter also stays near our house but we are t visiting each or," he said.

"It is important to isolate for 10 days at least. I am trying to guide Sindhu in maintaining her fitness by doing some exercises at terrace and jogging at nearby road," he added.

Im credits: AP