Relief for Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth as Badminton Asia Championships shifted to Manila

HYDERABAD: In a huge relief for shuttlers like Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth, who are struggling to collect ranking points and qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Badminton Asia (BA) has shifted the Continental championships from Wuhan to Manila.
The Badminton Asia Championships, the last of the Olympic qualifying events, scheduled to be held at Wuhan from April 21 to 26 will now be held in Manila.
In press release, BA said, "Badminton Asia (BA) would like to officially announce the Asia Championships from April 21 to 26, which was originally scheduled to be held in Wuhan, China, has now been moved to Manila, Philippines.Badminton Asia together with the Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) has been working closely to ensure Visa approval for player and official's entry into Manila for all participants in this important and prestigious Championship."
All England to go ahead as per schedule
The All England Championships to be held from March 11 to 15 will be held as per schedule. The Super-1000 event, which gives thousands of ranking points to shuttlers, is one of the premier badminton events.
Despite around 51 confirmed Corona cases in United Kingdom, Badminton England declared that the event would be held as per schedule.
Adrian Christy, chief executive, Badminton England said on Tuesday, "Badminton England is continuing to monitor the ongoing situation regarding the coronavirus/COVID-19 but based on up to date government advice and the publication of the government's Coronavirus Action Plan today (Tuesday) we will be going ahead with the Yonex All England Badminton Championships at Arena Birmingham on March 11-15 as planned. We will also continue to implement a number of measures to minimise the potential risk of the virus on players, officials, volunteer and fans attending the event."
Both Saina and Srikanth reached the quarterfinals at the last edition and have to defend 6600 points next week. They can improve their ranking if they make it to the finals or semifinals.