Can the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup events be cancelled for the first time since 1949? The threat of cancellation reportedly looms large on the world team championships for men and women, which have been rescheduled from October 3 to 11.
Straight Times has reported that mass exodus by teams can compel the Badminton World Federation to call off the prestigious team championships.
The Singapore daily has reported that Indonesia and South Korea can join the exodus after Taiwan, Thailand and Australia have already opted out of the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Aarhus, Denmark.
The countries are opting out of the tournament due to the COVID-19 transmission threat during flights.
BWF has also stated that the health and safety of all the players and others involved in upcoming international tournaments will be the highest priority.
Should the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals be called off, will BWF also cancel the two World Tour Super 750 events (Denmark Open on Oct 13-18 and Denmark Masters on Oct 20-25) after that, the daily has questioned.
The BWF is yet to confirm a replacement for the three nations, which have declined to travel to Denmark. Any other withdrawals would further hamper the plans of the world governing body for badminton.
India are pooled with 14-time champions China, France and Germany in Group D for the Uber Cup. In Thomas Cup, the Indian men are drawn with hosts Denmark Germany and Algeria in Group C.
The Badminton Association of India, eyeing a good opportunity in the wake of the withdrawals, had persuaded PV Sindhu to join the squad. The Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games silver medallist had earlier withdrawn from the tournament citing personal reasons.