By Avishek Roy, IANS,
Hyderabad: The England team’s withdrawal from the World Badminton Championships due to security concerns here Sunday have left other participating teams concerned about their safety.
Badminton World Federation (BWF) held a meeting with team managements and players Sunday and noted their apprehensions.
“We briefed the teams and the players. Obviously, there were some concerns from the players and we tried to bring them to a comfort level where they can compete without thinking anything else. We assured them that all steps are being taken and their safety is being taken care of. We explained to them that the venue is completely safe.”
World No.3 Peter Gade of Denmark said that such things are bound to worry the players but they have faith in BWF.
“Obviously the families back home will be concerned about our safety. But you cannot do much in these sort of situations. We have full faith that BWF and India will take care of the security,” he said.
India’s No. 1 mixed doubles player Jwala Gutta said such withdrawals can send a panic wave among the visiting teams.
“It was a shocking decision. England are a good side. Their pullout will naturally make others worried. I can understand how players from other countries must be feeling,” Gutta told IANS.
“It’s a sad incident that took place just before the start of the tournament. It is not good for the game and the country’s image. We are going to host the Commonwealth Games and England will have a big contingent.”
India’s top contender Saina Nehwal felt it was knee-jerk reaction from England.
“I think they have overreacted. They did not come in the Indian Open also. I think the security arrangements are fine and there should not be any problem for the outsiders,” she said.
Commissioner Of Police Prabhakar Reddy, too, played down the fears.
“There is no specific threat to the World Championships. We are fully prepared to meet any eventuality. There is no threat to the safety of the players. We have deployed force in adequate numbers and have taken all possible measures. The entire security plan is in place and we are quite confident that the event will go on smoothly,” he said.
Asked whether any team asked for extra security cover after the developments, Reddy said: “As of now, nobody has demanded extra security cover. But if there is such a request from any player or team, we will evaluate the situation and take a call.”
Badminton Association of Indian (BAI) president V.K. Verma said: “England’s pullout will not take the sheen out of the tournament. In no way it is going to affect the quality of the competition. Earlier, there were 43 teams competing, now it will be one less. Though I admit the morale of the players could be a bit low.”