Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy, who had recently recovered from Covid-19, have once again tested positive for novel coronavirus and as a result, have withdrawn the Yonex Thailand Open which began here on Tuesday.
In a 3rd and last mandatory round of Covid-19 tests ahead of the tournament, Saina tested positive and has been asked to isolate in a hospital by the organisers.
Tested negative during first two tests
The Indian squad, which travelled to Bangkok to participate in the Yonex Thailand Open followed by Toyota Thailand Open and BWF World Tour Finals, had tested negative during the first two tests that were conducted earlier.
However, Saina and Prannoy returned positive during the third test conducted on Monday.
"We are constantly in touch with the BWF as well as the organisers and our team management and players. These are unprecedented times but BWF is doing everything to ensure full support to our players including their safety," BAI general secretary Ajay Singhania said in a statement.
After testing positive, both the players have been taken to the hospital to be isolated for a minimum period 10 days. Meanwhile, Saina's husband Parupalli Kashyapm has also withdrawn from the tournament and is quarantined in his hotel room due to close proximity with Saina.
"According to the guidelines and safety norms, these three players will not be participating in the tournament. However, all other players have been allowed to participate but they have to play without the presence of coaches and support staff as per the safety protocols," Singhania added.
Saina claimed she didn't receive test reports until warm-up of match
However, Saina has said claimed she didn't receive her Covid-19 test reports and it was only before the warm-up for her Tuesday's match, she was told by the authorities that she has tested positive for coronavirus.
"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 get to the hospital in Bangkok ... saying that I m positive...according to rules the report should come in four hours..." tweeted Saina.
