Don't court danger, cancel the Malaysia Open

the Tokyo Olympics draw closer, badminton players around the world are scrambling to collect last minute ranking points to make the cut for the biggest sporting event in the world.

The Malaysia Open, a Super 750 event and one of badminton's oldest tournaments, is set to be the second last event on the calendar this year to offer Olympic qualifying points.

Slated for May 25-30 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, it is also expected to be the first international tournament to open its doors to fans since Covid-19 hit its peak last year.

However, as Malaysia continues to record more than 3,000 new cases daily, the grim question is it practical to go ahead with the event?

Not to mention, the deadly B.1.617 variant, which caused a “Covid tsunami”, in India has reached our shores.

Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican recently said he was confident the BA of Malaysia (BAM) can fulfil all Covid-19 protocols required to host the Malaysia Open.

But is confidence alone enough?

As a badminton fan myself, I would like to see Malaysia become the first country to host an international event with fans back in the stadium... but amid a global pandemic like never seen before, safety must come first!

There is no doubt BAM are fully capable of organising a major event but with government agencies stretched thin, going on with the Malaysia Open in this current climate is like having a death wish.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has pointed out that Covid cases in the Klang Valley alone have reached an alarming level with more than 80 per cent of the patients needing critical care.

Will the situation become worse and more risky with more foreigners coming into the country?

Let’s not forget the 14-day mandatory quarantine for foreigners from 40 countries including top badminton nations like Denmark, Japan and China.

Apart from former world champion, Viktor Axelsen, who is already out with Covid-19, other top players like World No 1 Kento Momota of Japan, and reigning Olympic champion,

Carolina Marin of Spain will have to arrive in Kuala Lumpur next week if they want to play in the Malaysia Open.

Again, it is not feasible and practical to go ahead with the tournament.

Sure, it will not sit well with several players, especially Malaysians who are still trying to make the cut for the Tokyo Games, but now is not the time to point the finger or play the blame game.

We are in the midst of a global crisis! And it should be treated like one.

BAM previously spent RM3-4 million to host the Malaysia Open, but the amount could double with all the standard operating procedures (SOPs) which include multiple PCR testings for players and officials throughout the competition.

There should be no shame for any party in calling the event off.

After all it is “kita jaga kita”, right?

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) have yet to intervene or come up with a statement on the fairness of the Olympic qualifying process, but perhaps they’re too busy with the new scoring system that they are dying to introduce.

Whatever it is, a decision must be made soon.

If it were up to me, I would pull the plug now on the Malaysia Open.