Badminton World Federation (BWF) can confirm India player Sai Praneeth B. has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from the TOYOTA Thailand Open.
The player produced a positive result to a mandatory PCR test conducted on Monday. It is confirmed positive.
The player has been taken to hospital for further observation and testing, and is required to stay in hospital for a minimum of 10 days.
BWF can also confirm Sai Praneeth B. had been rooming with teammate Kidambi Srikanth at the official hotel. In line with BWF protocols, Kidambi has been withdrawn from the TOYOTA Thailand Open and is in strict self-quarantine. However, Kidambi tested negative on Monday’s test and has returned negative results since arriving in Thailand.
Daily testing protocols have been implemented by Thai health authorities, Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) and BWF, including restricting the movement and schedule of the rest of the India team as per tournament protocol. This is to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
These restrictions are in place for 14 days and ends on 1 February 2020.
All other players and personnel involved in the TOYOTA Thailand Open, including all Team India players and entourage, returned negative results following Monday’s mandatory round of PCR testing.
Thai health authorities have cleared India players to continue competing in the tournament upon producing a negative test result each day.