PV Sindhu has reversed her decision to skip the next month’s Uber Cup tournament. The Rio de Janeiro Olympics silver medallist was persuaded by the Badminton Association of India president Himanta Biswa Sarma to represent the country in the World Team Championships.
Sindhu had earlier opted out of the tournament, citing personal reasons.
The prestigious Thomas Cup and Uber Cup, men’s and women’s world team championships respectively have been rescheduled from October 3 to 11 in Aarhus, Denmark. The twin tournaments were originally scheduled from May 16 to 24 and later from August 15 to 23. The competition was deferred twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Badminton Association of had confirmed on its official twitter handle @BAI_Media that Sindhu had agreed to join the Indian team for the Uber Cup.
BAI President @himantabiswa spoke with @Pvsindhu1 and she has consented her availability and will be part of the Indian Team🇮🇳 going for #ThomasUberCup #TeamIndiaFirst #Badminton @bwfmedia https://t.co/N77P2jwORh
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) September 7, 2020
The BAI president had also tweeted that he had reached out to Sindhu for influencing her to change her decision as India stand a good chance the tournament since the draw was favourable.
“I have requested @Pvsindhu1 to join the team as we have a favourable draw and have the best chance to take a shot at a medal at the ThomasUberCup,” Badminton Association of India (BAI) chief Biswa Sarma tweeted. “She has agreed and will prepone her family function so that she can be part of the Indian Team and play for the country.”
I have requested @Pvsindhu1 to join the team as we have a favourable draw and have the best chance to take a shot at a medal at the #ThomasUberCup. She has agreed and will prepone her family function so that she can be part of the Indian Team and play for the country @BAI_Media
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 7, 2020
India are put with 14-time champions China, France and Germany in Group D for the Uber Cup. In Thomas Cup, the Indian men are pooled with hosts Denmark Germany and Algeria in Group C.
Both the men’s and women’s teams are seeded fifth in the tournament.