BAI writes to BWF after postponement of Malaysia Open, seeks clarity on Tokyo qualification | Badminton News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Following the postponement of the upcoming Malaysia Open, Badminton Association of India (BAI) has reached out to the world body, Badminton World Federation (BWF), asking for clarity on the qualification scenario for its shuttlers and future course of action.
The Super 750 event was scheduled from May 25-30 and also considered as an Olympic qualification tournament. With four of its players, PV Sindhu, B Sai Praneeth, Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, have already sealed places for Tokyo, BAI expecting few more players to qualify including Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth.

“It’s really unfortunate that the crucial qualifier had to be postponed in this way but that is the time we live in now. Though four of our players have already qualified and there are few more including Saina and Srikanth who can still make it. I have reached out to BWF Secretary Thomas Lund asking for clarity on the future course of action,” BAI general secretary Ajay Singhania said.
With postponement of Malaysia Open, the qualification hopes of remaining Indian players now depends on the final qualifying event–Singapore Open (June 1-6). Singapore has suspended all the flights from Covid-hit India. However, BAI is in touch with the Singapore Badminton Association and is trying to find a best possible way regarding the mandatory 21-day quarantine rule.
“We will do whatever best possible can be done to find a better way out so that the shuttlers get the chance to secure the Olympic berths if there is any scope and opportunity,” Singhania added.