B Sai Praneeth out after testing positive

New Delhi, January 9

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Badminton star B Sai Praneeth, a bronze medallist at the 2019 World Championships, has pulled out of the season-opening India Open Super 500 tournament after testing positive for Covid-19.

“Yes, I have tested positive for Covid-19 in RT-PCR test. I had cold and cough since yesterday. I am isolating at home,” Praneeth said. “I will have to wait for at least a week before testing again. It is an important year and there is hardly any time to regain fitness. I hope I can get back to court quickly.”

Yes, I have tested positive for Covid-19 in RT-PCR test. I had cold and cough since yesterday. I am isolating at home. I will have to wait for at least a week before testing again. It is an important year and there is hardly any time to regain fitness. I hope I can get back to court quickly – B Sai Praneeth

Another Indian player, doubles specialist Dhruv Rawat, also tested positive for the virus ahead of his departure for the national capital to participate in the tournament, which starts on Tuesday.

“We are strictly monitoring and it’s mandatory for all players to update their RT-PCR reports before reaching New Delhi. We are also conducting tests before everyone enters the stadium,” said (BAI) secretary Ajay Singhania.

The 2022 edition of the India Open will be held behind closed doors at the Indira Gandhi Stadium’s KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, with the governing body laying down strict Covid-19 protocols.

Two-time Olympics medallist PV Sindhu and World Championships bronze medallist Lakshya Sen are among the Indian players who have already arrived in the national capital.

Kidambi Srikanth is likely to arrive late in the evening, while Saina Nehwal will land on Monday.

Several top shuttlers, including world champion Loh Kean Yew and three-time men’s doubles world champion Mohammad Ahsan, had their first training session here today.

Sindhu, winner in the 2017 edition, said playing without fans would be a bit of a dampener but she was as motivated as anyone else to clinch her second title here.

“I have always looked forward to playing in New Delhi as India Open has always had full house crowd with great atmosphere as winning a tournament at home is always special for any player,” she said.

“It’s a long season for all us with the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games scheduled later this year. Starting the season on home turf gives me a perfect opportunity to start the year on a winning note,” said Srikanth, a former World No. 1.

World Championships bronze medallist Lakshya Sen is also keen to leave his mark in his first appearance in the tournament. “I have always looked forward to playing the India Open. I had to wait for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic but I am confident of putting my best foot forward this week,” Sen said.

Srikanth, Sindhu get top billing

Former champions Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu of India have been given the top billing in the men’s and women’s sections.

Srikanth has received the top billing in the men’s singles section, while world champion Loh Kean Yew and bronze medallist Lakshya Sen will also be strong competitors for their first India Open crown.

Double Olympics medallist Sindhu will lead the charge in the women’s singles section, which also has the likes of two-time champion Saina Nehwal, Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan and Singapore’s upcoming player Jia Min Yeo. — Agencies