PETALING JAYA, 8 Sept – India’s hopes in the Uber Cup Finals soared considerably with the return of P.V. Sindu who had earlier cited “personal reasons” for pulling out from the team while Covid-19 fears continue to hog the limelight worldwide.
Thailand became the latest team after Chinese Taipei to pull out from this year’s Thomas and Uber Cup Finals. Others who have reportedly withdrawn from the world team championships scheduled to be held in Aarhus, Denmark from Oct 3-11 are Australia and Russia.
Sindhu, 25, has made some changes to her personal commitments, to join the team in Denmark, following a discussion between, Badminton Association of India president Himanta Biswa Sarma, her father Ramana, and herself.
India’s hopes of a medal in the Uber Cup further soared when Commonwealth Games champion Saina Nehwal joined the training squad.
India is drawn in Group D with 14-time winners China, France, and Germany.
”We have a favorable draw and best chance to take a shot at the title,” Himanta was quoted in the Indian media.
However, it is not the same for India’s Thomas Cup team after the country’s No 1 men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty withdrew from the team after the former was tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently under house quarantine.
At the same time reports have filtered out from India that Satwik and Chirag could well be on the plane to Denmark – depending on the outcome of Satwik’s test this Saturday. However, it will be another 10 days before the pair can resume training.
India will now count on Olympians Manu Attri-Sumeet Reddy and MR Arjun-Druv Kapila in the men’s doubles.
The Indians are seeded fifth and have 2016 Thomas Cup champions and home favorites Denmark, Germany, and newcomers Algeria have company for their challenge in Group C.
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