OCM back move to postpone Thomas Cup this year

THE Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) said they welcome any decision to postpone the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

OCM secretary general Datuk Nazifuddin Najib said holding the two events on the scheduled dates of Oct 3-11 could put badminton’s reputation at risk.

A number of nations, including heavyweights Indonesia and South Korea, have announced their withdrawals from the competitions in Aarhus, Denmark.

“We h av e d i s c u s s e d t h e Thomas and Uber Cups numerous times with the National Sports Council and BAM,” said Nazifuddin yesterday.

“The situation (pandemic) is constantly changing and we have been monitoring the situation in other countries.

“We feel it would be better to wait for a more suitable time to hold the competitions (Thomas and Uber Cup).

“If an incident occurs, it would tarnish the reputation of the sport and also affect future events for badminton.

“We hope they (BWF) will consider postponing the tournament.”

Rumours started in the past few days that BWF have decided to postpone the Thomas/Uber Cup Finals to after the Tokyo Olympics next year.

There have also been talks that the Johor Malaysia Games could be pushed to April next year.

Nazifuddin said Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican is likely to make a decision on the matter next week.

Nazifuddin attended a one-onone sessions between OCM and national sports associations in Kuala Lumpur yesterday to gain their feedback on the Malaysia Games.

“I am not sure what their (organisers’) decision is.

“It is difficult to indefinitely postpone the Malaysia Games because it would incur an increase in costs,” said Nazifuddin.

“We have to wait for the minister to meet with the Malaysia Games supreme council next week.

“I believe the minister will make a decision.”

The Johor Malaysia Games, initially scheduled for this year, have been postponed to March 614. Fadhli Ishak