India’s participation in the Malaysia Open and Singapore Open was in jeopardy after the two countries imposed curbs on travel from India amid soaring coronavirus cases in the country.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) swung into action, reaching out to the respective badminton associations of Malaysia and Singapore to ensure smooth travel for the shuttlers.
Also Read: Malaysia Open 2021: Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth’s Tokyo Olympics hopes at risk; unable to compete due to travel ban
Ray of hope prevails for Saina, Srikanth to qualify for Tokyo Olympics
The development has infused a new ray of hope for former World No.1s Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth, who will try to throw their hat in the fray for an Olympic berth.
The recent postponement of the India Open Super 500 reduced their chances of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. The pressure is heating up for the duo, who are yet to make the top-16 cut in the Race to Tokyo rankings.
Also Read: Analyzing Saina Nehwal’s chances at Tokyo Olympics qualification
Saina and Srikanth are placed 22nd and 20th respectively in the rankings ladder. They will now bank on the two remaining Olympic qualifiers to earn valuable ranking points to stay in the qualification race to Tokyo. According to the BWF Council, June 15 will mark the last date of the qualifying period for the Tokyo Olympics.
Sindhu, Praneeth, Chirag-Satwiksairaj well-positioned to make the Tokyo cut
As of now, PV Sindhu, Sai Praneeth, and the doubles pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy have virtually assured themselves of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. While Sindhu and Praneeth are ranked 7th and 13th respectively, Chirag-Satwiksairaj stands 8th in their respective categories in the Race to Tokyo rankings.
Also Read: Tokyo Olympics 2021: Remaining BWF tournaments for shuttlers looking to qualify
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