Bangkok: Thailand joined Chinese Taipei and Australia to become the third nation to pull out of the 2020 Thomas & Uber Cup Finals that will be held in Aarhus, Denmark, from October 3 to October 11, 2020, citing health concerns for its players over COVID-19.
The Thailand men’s team was originally drawn into Group D of the Thomas Cup together with Japan, South Korea, and Canada while the women’s team was placed in the Uber Cup Group C, together with Denmark, Canada, and Scotland.
“Badminton Association of Thailand cited special circumstances related to COVID-19 in addition to injuries to key players in making the decision,” said BWF in a statement released on Monday.
“BWF’s highest priority remains the health and safety of all players and personnel participating in upcoming international tournaments”, continued in the BWF statement.
“This includes implementing a bubble system to create a safe badminton ecosystem for all involved.”
So far, no replacement teams have been announced to take the places of those three countries.
In the biennial international tournament, China was the defending champions for Thomas Cup while Japan was the defending champions in the Uber Cup competition.
On Sunday, Thailand’s World No. 5 women’s singles player Ratchanok Intanon, and World No. 3 mixed doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai have decided to withdraw themselves from the 2020 Thomas and Uber Finals.
“Player safety and health have always been our priority concern. We respect the players’ decision,” said President of Thailand Badminton Federation Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
