With several Malaysian shuttlers set to receive the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine today, it is all systems go for the India Open on May 11-16.
BAM coaching director Wong Choong Hann confirmed that players bound for the Tokyo Olympics in July, would have gotten their second dose prior to the start of the India Open in New Delhi next month.
Initially, it was a concern for the national body as India continues to record high number of new Covid-19 cases daily.
"We have weighed the risks and are ready to head to New Delhi next month," Choong Hann told Timesport yesterday.
"In fact, a number of shuttlers, who have virtually qualified for the Olympics, will already be vaccinated by then. I think it shouldn't be a problem for us.
"At the moment, the players are all focused on their training and we look forward to a good tournament."
It is understood the shuttlers who will be getting their first dose of the vaccine today are reigning All England champion, Lee Zii Jia, national men's doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, women's singles, Soniia Cheah, women's doubles, Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean, and mixed doubles, Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying.
The India Open, a Super 500 event, offers Olympic ranking points.
Meanwhile, Choong Hann welcomes the return of the China national squad, who have not competed in any international tournament since January last year.
China, however, did not name their strongest squad for the India Open.
"To be honest, we have all been waiting for things to return to normal and I'm happy that they (China) have named their players, despite it being their second stringers for the India Open.
"We look forward to it. Our players must be ready to face anyone," Choong Hann added.