Hong Kong turns down chance to play in Thomas and Uber Cup finals due to high Covid-19 risk in Europe
- The premier event is expected to take place in Aarhus, Denmark in early October featuring the top 16 teams in each final
- Hong Kong was invited as a reserve after the withdrawal of Taiwan, Australia and Thailand
Hong Kong turned down the offer to play in the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Denmark citing the risk of Covid-19 infection, which is still high in Europe.
Badminton’s biggest team event is expected to take place in Aarhus from October 3-11, and will also mark the return of the BWF World Tour since it ceased in March due to the pandemic outbreak, with the Badminton World Federation promising to create a safe environment for players and officials.
Hong Kong did not qualify for the Finals after missing the pre-event – the Asia Badminton Team Championships in February – due to quarantine measures enforced by organisers Philippines.
Badminton head coach at the Hong Kong Sports Institute Tim He Yiming confirmed they had received an invitation from the world governing body for the event after Australia and Taiwan both withdrew. Another qualifier, Thailand, also announced this week they would not join the biennial tournament which features 16 top teams in each event.
“The health of players is of the greatest importance,” said the coach. “After some serious discussion between the Sports Institute and the Hong Kong Badminton Association, we decided not to take part in the tournament.