The BWF World Championships 2021 to be held in Spain later this week will not having the Indonesia team participate owing to the new COVID-19 Omicron variant
Just when it looked like the COVID-19 pandemic was slowing waning with global cases on a downtick, the virus has managed to once again unfurl its menace. Ever since a new, more deadly and potent Omicron variant has been reported in South Africa, countries across the global stage have been quick to safeguard themselves against it.
From African countries being placed on red lists to lockdowns being reimposed in countries most impacted by Omicron, the latest developments are a stark reminder that Coronavirus has far from regressed. And the world of sports has one again started feeling the brunt of the disease with the BWF World Championships 2021 to be held in Spain starting Sunday of this week seeing the badminton team from Indonesia withdraw.
Team Indonesia Withdraws From The BWF World Championships 2021 Owing To Omicron COVID Variant
The side has released a statement to elaborate its decision to exit the BWF World Championships starting in Huelva, Spain with the side deciding it wasn’t prudent to go to Spain given the spurt of Omicron cases in Europe.
“The Indonesian badminton team has withdrawn from participating in the 2021 BWF World Championship which will take place in Huelva, Spain, on 12-19 December 2021,” Badminton Indonesia said.
“With this decision, the Indonesian team will immediately prepare for the tournament in 2022. We don’t want to take any risks. Athletes’ safety and health are paramount. We have also discussed with the players and they agreed to withdraw from the World Championships,” PBSI development and performance division head Rionny Mainaky said.