Pictured: Corrie Keith Robinson, New Zealand. Photo credit: Badminton Photo
On Saturday, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed the cancellation of the Spanish Para Badminton International 2020.
Four players from Australia and New Zealand had entered the event:
- Corrie Keith Robinson (NZL)
- Kim Duong (AUS)
- Celine Vinot (AUS)
- Hayden Bognar (AUS)
Despite trying to ensure the future of the tournament, the Spanish Badminton Federation confirmed the decision following advice from the local health authorities regarding concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak – a decision support by the BWF with regards to the players, fans and officials welfare at the tournament.
The tournament was the final chance for players to gain ranking points in their bid to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, which closes on 2 April 2020.
Unfortunately, the cancellation has a significant impact on Celine Vinot and Corrie Keith Robinson’s Paralympic campaigns. The players had included this tournament as part of their Tokyo 2020 qualification plans, although this is also likely to be the case for many other players, they will now have to rely on results from previous events to meet qualification requirements.
The BWF is aware of the various implications that the cancellation has on players, but at this time, is not planning to make any adjustments to the qualification’s regulations. Meanwhile, the International Paralympic Committee insists that the Tokyo 2020 Games will be going ahead.
Follow more updates from the BWF Concerning the COVID-19 outbreak and the impact on tournaments here.
