With Malaysia putting a temporary travel ban on flights from India after an alarming spike in cases of COVID, the death knell for Kidambi Srikanth and Saina Nehwal’s hopes of qualifying for this year’s Tokyo Olympics.
The tournament will take place from May 25 to 30 and the travel ban has now reduced the chances of Indian players reaching the tournament.
The Badminton Federation, Badminton Association Malaysia, or Indian Badminton Association are yet to comment on what to do for Indian players participating in the tournament.
Reigning world champion PV Sindhu, B Sai Praneeth, and men’s double Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Ranikreddy already have the ranking to earn the Tokyo call.