Thais give 'safest' assurance after China pullout

BANGKOK • Thailand's badminton chief yesterday pledged that next month's restart tournaments will be the "safest in the world" after heavyweights China withdrew because of coronavirus restrictions.

China's pullout blows a big hole in the draw for the three Badminton World Federation World Tour events from Jan 12 in Bangkok, the first in Asia since the Covid-19 shutdown in March.

However, Badminton Association of Thailand president Patama Leeswadtrakul said it was a result of China's anti-coronavirus rules that prevented the team, who include men's Olympic champion Chen Long and women's world No. 2 Chen Yufei, from travelling, rather than a reflection on Thailand's safety.

"The reason is that the Chinese government doesn't allow them to go out of the country - not just for the sport of badminton but for all kinds of athletes," she told Agence France-Presse.

The three back-to-back tournaments, in bio-secure bubble conditions and behind closed doors, culminate in the delayed 2020 World Tour Finals from Jan 27.

Patama said the Thai government has been working to ensure top standards of health, including isolating players the minute they get off their flights.

"This bubble competition will be the safest in the world," she added. "After Jan 4, no one is allowed to enter this bubble and all the measures and protocol are very strict for the health and safety of everyone."

While Patama admitted that the prospect of playing without fans was a concern for some competitors, who are worried about how it may affect their performances, there was no other option. "Our badminton players also mention these same feelings... But we have to seal everyone in the bubble for the best health this time," she 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 death toll since it registered the first case outside of 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.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE