After winning the men’s and women’s team event at this year’s VICTOR Oceania Championships 2020 and securing the continental spot for the TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2020, Australia have withdrawn from the tournament.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but due to the international travel conditions in place and the health and safety of our players and all related staff remains paramount. Unfortunately, it is not feasible for the teams from Australia to participate in this year’s event”, says Badminton Australia CEO, Jamie Parsons.
“Many of our players reside in states which are still facing restrictions due to COVID-19. We wish all of our players a safe and prompt return to the badminton courts and wish everyone involved in the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals a highly successful tournament”, says Parsons.
Similarly, Badminton Association of Thailand cited special circumstances related to COVID-19 in addition to injuries to key players in making the decision.
Despite the withdrawal of the men’s and women’s team from Australia, Thailand and Chinese Taipei, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) can confirm the TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2020 in Aarhus, Denmark will proceed as planned.
All other teams from Oceania have declined the invitation to claim the continental spot. However, the replacement teams from other continents have yet to be announced by the BWF.
The TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2020 is scheduled for 3-11 October.
BWF’s highest priority remains the health and safety of all players and personnel participating in upcoming international tournaments.
This includes implementing a bubble system to create a safe badminton ecosystem for all involved. Find out more about the BWF’s safety protocols and operating procedures for the return to international badminton here.
