BAI names full-strength squad; Sindhu, Saina to compete for first time since virus break
PTI, Dec 21, 2020, 2:19 PM IST
New Delhi: India”s top shuttlers PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal will be seen in action for the first time since the coronavirus-forced break when they compete in three upcoming tournaments in Bangkok, including the prestigious BWF World Tour Finals.
With Olympic qualifications in mind, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) on Monday announced a strong eight-member squad to participate in the three upcoming tournaments, scheduled in January.
The team, consisting of Olympic-bound shuttlers Sindhu, Saina, B Sai Praneeth, Kidambi Srikanth, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Ashwini Ponappa and N Sikki Reddy, will begin their campaign with Yonex Thailand Open from January 12-17.
That will be followed by Toyota Thailand Open (January 19-24) and the prestigious HSBC BWF World Tour Finals which is rescheduled for January 27-31.
After the coronavirus outbreak in March disrupted the sporting world resulting in cancellation or postponement of a number of tournaments, this will be the first time that top Indian players, apart from Srikanth, will feature in any international tournament.
The former World No. 1, Srikanth had made a comeback when he played the Denmark Open in October.
“We are very happy to see badminton finally getting back on the court. It gives us hope that tournaments can eventually make a steady comeback in near future. Most of our players haven”t played tournaments in the last 7-8 months,” BAI general secretary Ajay Singhania said.
“However, they have been training to the best of their abilities at the camp. The purpose of sending a full-strength team in these tournaments so that players can get the much-needed tournament practice ahead of the Olympic qualifiers,” he added.
The team will also be accompanied by singles foreign coaches Agus Dwi Santoso and Park Tae Sang and doubles coach Dwi Kristiawan alongside support staff consisting of Kiran Challagundla, Johnson, Evangelina Baddam and M Srikanth.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Vinod Kambli admitted to hospital due to deterioration in health
Shami not fully fit yet, ruled out of remaining two Tests in Australia
Sindhu marries Venkat Datta at Udaipur in a private ceremony
Tanush Kotian replaces recently retired Ashwin in India’s squad
The ability to take 20 wickets is not that good in Indian team: Cheteshwar Pujara
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Kalaburagi: Woman sustains burns after live electric wire falls on her
Nelamangala accident: Police expedite probe, CCTV images being scrutinised
Rohan Estate Mukka – Resort-style luxury layout launched
Minister Parameshwara directs police to ensure tight security in Bengaluru on New Year’s eve
Teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony: PM Modi at Christmas celebrations
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.