It’s all go for Finals

Thomas and Uber Cup get green light to resume in October

The Thomas and Uber Cup Finals look set to go ahead in Aarhus, Denmark, from Oct 3-11 – at least for now – despite a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Europe in the past two weeks.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) have informed all member associations bound for the Finals that their entourage have been permitted to enter the country and are exempted from the 14-day quarantine requirement upon arrival.

Denmark is part of the European Union (EU) that still ban travellers from countries other than EU member states and the United Kingdom, except with valid reasons.

Nine countries, however, are exempted under “other open countries” including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia and Canada, who will all compete in Aarhus.

“We have received a memo from BWF that there will be no quarantine for participating teams in Denmark but all must screened for Covid-19 test before arriving in Denmark,” said Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary Datuk Kenny Goh.

“It’s good that BWF have played their role to assist members to make it easier for everyone to travel.

“At least, we now have one fewer thing to worry about.

“It’s also obvious that BWF look determined to carry on with the Finals, having gone more than six months without international badminton.

“Again, with all the uncertainties lately, we have to keep our fingers crossed.”

BWF and the host nation also appear to have conceded that they will have to hold these two prestigious team tournaments behind closed doors or with a limited number of spectators.

They had initially deferred the Finals twice including from the initial dates of May 16-24 and then from Aug 15-23.

The organisers felt the Finals should be staged in front of a bigger crowd and a more lively atmosphere.

The Danish government is imposing restrictions on public gatherings, with a maximum of 500 people from May 10 until Sept 1.

Malaysia are drawn in Group A for the Thomas Cup competition with Indonesia, Holland and England.

For the Uber Cup, Malaysia have a tough draw in Group B with South Korea, Indonesia and Australia.

BAM are expected to finalise their men and women’s squads by mid-September.

They have until Sept 18 to submit their entry.