Virus mars Asian badminton event

KUALA LUMPUR: The deadly coronavirus outbreak has forced China and Hong Kong’s men and women and India’s women to withdraw from badminton’s Asia Team Championships which start on Tuesday in Manila.

The event, which runs until Sunday in the Philippines capital, is the Asian qualifying event for the sport’s Thomas and Uber Cup team championships later this year. It also serves as part of the qualification process for this year’s Tokyo Olympics.

"The decision to impose the 14 days quarantine period for all travellers coming from China, Hong Kong and Macau has to be respected in view of the health and safety of the Philippines government for its people," said a Badminton Asia statement Tuesday. The Indian women’s team withdrew after concerns were raised by players and their parents, said the Badminton Association of India (BAI).