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PETALING JAYA: Badminton fans around the world will receive a gift in September and October, if the Covid-19 pandemic subsides and allows the sport to return to its peak. The World Badminton Federation (BWF) has announced that the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Aarhus, Denmark have been delayed further from October 3 to 11, making it a hectic stretch of eight tournaments in nine weeks.
It is the second time that the prestigious men’s and women’s team competitions have been postponed. They were postponed from May 16 to 24 to August 15 and 23 due to the deadly threat of the virus.
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The Thomas and Uber Cup Finals will be between seven World Tour events, four in September and three in October.
The busy schedule will begin with the Taiwan Open from September 1 to 6, followed by the Korean Open (September 8 to 13); China Open (September 15-20); Japan Open (September 22-27); Denmark Open (13-18 October); French Open (from October 20 to 25) and Macao Open (from October 27 to November 1).
The latest postponement of the Thomas and Uber Cup finals is not a surprise as Badminton Denmark had hinted last week that they intended to reschedule to optimize public participation.
The Danish government has eased restrictions on public gatherings with a maximum of 500 people from May 10 to September 1. Initially, the number had been restricted to 10. However, organizers felt that the Finals should be organized in front of a larger crowd and a more lively Atmosphere.
“Our top priority is the health, safety and well-being of athletes, staff, volunteers, judges and the entire badminton community,” BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said yesterday.
“We listened to the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO), various health experts, local authorities and the Danish government and it was clear that it would be difficult to organize a big event like the Thomas and Uber Cup finals before September.
“We are confident that we can organize a safe and successful championship on the new dates from October 3-11, while we all monitor the situation closely if things change again.”
Badminton Denmark CEO Bo Jensen added: “It is sad for us to change the dates again. However, our immediate concern is the safety of everyone involved in this uncertain time.
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