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PETALING JAYA: There could be four unprecedented big badminton tournaments in 2021.
It’s a prospect that could become a reality as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) is likely to postpone the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals, scheduled for October 3-11 in Aarhus, Denmark, until next year.
The decision, which is expected to become official soon, will see the Finals join the already packed schedule consisting of the Tokyo Olympics (July 24-August 2), the Sudirman Cup in Suzhou, China (23-Aug. May 30) and the World Cup. Championship in Huelva, Spain (November 29-December 5).
And that means an exciting schedule for badminton fans, but not for flyers.
Former World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei believes it will be difficult for players to stay focused.
“Four big tournaments in the same year is too many,” admitted Chong Wei.
“I can foresee that many countries will complain to the BWF about the hectic schedule.
“If I keep playing, I would like to play well in all four events, but there is no way you can prepare and reach the top in all of them.
“If it’s up to me to decide, the Olympics will be my number one priority. Then the list descends to the Thomas Cup followed by the World Championships and the Sudirman Cup.
“Why do I put the Sudirman Cup as the least important? It’s simple because the mixed team event is never our strong suit. So if all four events are on next year’s calendar, BAM will have to define its priorities well, ”added the three-time Olympic Games silver medalist.
On the Thomas-Uber Cup finals, Chong Wei added that it would be prudent for the BWF to postpone it.
“It is the right thing to do because it is simply too risky to travel at the moment,” Chong Wei said.
BAM Secretary Datuk Kenny Goh is also not a fan of too many big events, but he understands the current difficulties of the BWF.
“It’s not ideal, but I guess there aren’t many options for BWF,” Kenny said.
“The Sudirman Cup is different and may not be canceled due to rights issues.
“It will not be easy, but we will wait for more information from BWF.”
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