Thailand Open: Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy, Parupalli Kashyap cleared to compete
Two Indian shuttlers had tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, in Bangkok, as the Indian players are participating in the BWF Thailand Open. While the players were initially placed in isolation, a new report claims that they have been cleared to compete.
FollowIn what comes as a significant turnaround and happy news for Indian badminton stars, top shuttlers, Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy and Parupalli Kashyap have been cleared to compete in the ongoing BWF Thailand Open, in Bangkok. The players, who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, have been cleared by the Thai health authorities, deeming no danger.
It was on Tuesday when a report from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) stated that four players, including two Indians, had tested positive for coronavirus, while a player was doubtful for the same. Consequently, the players were put into isolation, while a second sample was sent for further test and assessment.
According to a new report, the trio had tested positive in the PCR, while their antibody became positive. It is to be noted that a positive antibody stands for the person being infected with COVID at a point, but might not possess the virus anymore. A further assessment has revealed that the trio was infected in late 2020 and currently does not pose a danger.
Owing to positive results, the players had been ruled out of their scheduled matches as a walkover. However, now that the players have been cleared, BWF would reschedule the games. Saina would play Kisona Selvaduray in the opening round, while Kashyap takes on Jason Anthony Ho-Shue.
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After testing positive, Saina had tweeted, "I still didn't receive the covid test report from yesterday...it's very confusing and today just before the warm-up for the match they tell me to go to hospital in Bangkok...saying that I'm positive...according to rules the report should come in 5 hours."
Meanwhile, Kashyap posted an Instagram video, stating, "We (Saina & him) got infected with Covid on November 30 and we were in isolation for 14 days. We had a few symptoms and we tested negative on the 12th day. We had another week's isolation and started training for this tournament on December 18 or 19. After coming here also we were tested twice. It was very confusing to see Saina test positive in the third testing. We did our antibodies test before we came to Bangkok, and me and Saina, and sufficient antibodies in the blood tests, so it's very strange how this test is positive. We are wishing that it's a false positive and we can reschedule our matches to tomorrow and play."
Furthermore, Kidambi Srikanth took to Twitter to post images of a bloody nose following the COVID test. Currently, the Department of Disease Control is checking on him, while BWF had demanded an explanation from them and the Badminton Association of Thailand.
