Badminton

Denmark has Covid risks covered

Former BA of Malaysia (BAM) technical director Morten Frost believes the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals should go on as planned on Oct 3-11 in Aarhus, Denmark.

The Dane is confident his home country has taken into consideration all of the Covid-19 risk factors and are fully ready to host the biennial events.

This comes following calls for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to cancel the world team meet after several top teams, including 13-time winners Indonesia, withdrew from both competitions last week.

The others who have pulled out are Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and Australia.

Speaking to Timesport yesterday, Frost said: "Badminton Denmark (BD) are convinced they can stage all the tournaments (including the Denmark Open and Denmark Masters) safely and successfully.

"We along with many other badminton lovers are eagerly anticipating the start of international tournaments.

"It's got to start somewhere, and I would be proud as an eight-time winner of the Denmark Open, for Denmark to kick start it all after the long hiatus."

The 62-year-old also feels that Denmark should be given the chance to prove their efficiency in handling the Covid-19 pandemic as they are one of the leading countries with the most number of testing per capita.

According to Frost, Denmark has already tried and tested hosting other sporting events during the pandemic without many problems.

"Denmark has already staged a televised Badminton event. Superleague football is rolling with spectators while indoor handball has started, this too with spectators.

"Obviously not full capacity, but safe numbers to ensure social distancing."

As for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals being cancelled, Frost said: "Should China and Japan pull out, then it won't look good.

"I think it comes down to good communication, explain all the steps and precautions. Then, I believe one will understand."

To date, the BWF have confirmed that Finland and Sweden have accepted invitations to join the Thomas and Uber Cups but it remains to be seen if other top nations would withdraw closer to the closing date on Friday.

In Malaysia, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) are sticking to their guns to make the trip to Denmark unless BWF calls it off.

Meanwhile, the BAM will host the inaugural President's Cup, a team event simulation for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup-bound shuttlers at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.

The tournament, which starts on Wednesday, will involve 20 shuttlers.

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