PV Sindhu makes herself available for Thomas & Uber Cup, to join Indian squad

New Delhi, September 7: World champion PV Sindhu, who had earlier communicated her absence in the Thomas and Uber Cup for personal reasons, has consented her availability for the Indian team after a call from Badminton Association of India (BAI) President Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday (September 7). Sindhu's presence in the squad for October 3-11 2020, the event will bolster Team India's chances.

"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 Thomas Uber Cup. She has agreed and will prepone her family function so that she can be part of the Indian Team and play for the country," the BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma informed through his Twitter handle today.

26 Indian shuttlers have currently been shortlisted and the final team selection will be done on September 17 for the upcoming Thomas and Uber Cup.

Meanwhile, the Thai badminton federation has withdrawn from the Thomas and Uber Cups after high-profile players pulled out because of concerns regarding COVID-19.

The federation said the absences of former world champion Ratchanok Intanon, No. 3-ranked mixed doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai and others meant the country couldn't field a team in the Oct. 3-11 world teams event in Denmark.

Thailand badminton federation president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said, "player safety and health has always been our priority concern. We respect the players' decision."

The Badminton World Federation said last month the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals would go ahead in Aarhus, Denmark, despite an overhaul of the tournament calendar following the shuttering of international competition during the coronavirus pandemic.

The BWF said international participants would not be required to undergo quarantine upon arrival in Denmark provided they had a negative COVID-19 test and appropriate travel documents.

(With agency inputs)