In a jolt to the ongoing India Open badminton tournament in New Delhi, seven players including former world No.1 Kidambi Srikanth and doubles ace Ashwini Ponnappa tested positive for Covid-19.
The others who tested positive are Ritika Rahul, Treesa Jolly, Mithun Manjunath, Simran Aman Singhi and Khusi Gupta.
All these players along with their partners have been withdrawn from the tournament with immediate effect.
Badminton World Federation (BWF) said in a release that their doubles partners as well as close contacts have been withdrawn.
"Badminton World Federation (BWF) can confirm that seven players have been withdrawn from the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19. The players returned a positive result to a mandatory RT-PCR test conducted on Tuesday. Doubles partners deemed close contact of the seven players have also been withdrawn from the tournament," said BWF, adding that the players will not be replaced.
"The players will not be replaced in the main draw and their opponents will be given a walkover to the next round. Testing protocols have been implemented in accordance with Badminton World Federation and Badminton Association of India guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all participants," BWF added.
Withdrawal of players at this stage is not possible because all the players have already completed their first round matches.
The second round i.e. pre-quarterfinals of the tournament will be held on Thursday.
