The fate of the Thomas and Uber Cup, scheduled to take in Aarhus, Denmark (Oct 3-11) hangs in the balance after 13-time champions Indonesia pulled out, along with South Korea on Saturday.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF), in a brief statement, confirmed both countries' withdrawals which brought the total pullouts to five. The world body are expected to make an announcement on the tournament soon.
Australia, Taiwan and Thailand had earlier also withdrawn due to the global situation.
Indonesia’s withdrawal means Malaysia will most likely cement their place as Group A champions, with Holland and England not expected to stand in their way.
But the world body are left with a headache for the Uber Cup, as Indonesia and South Korea’s non-participation means Malaysia are the only team left in Group B.
Besides that, top players like Tai Tzu-ying and P.V.Sindhu will also be missing from the Uber Cup.
The Indonesian Badminton Association, in a statement stated several factors for their non-participation.
“The players were not too keen as they were worried about being infected by Covid-19, be it when travelling, in transit or during the tournament.
“The players were also skeptical because BWF could not guarantee that nobody will be affected by the coronavirus. They are not willing to take on that responsibility,” the statement read.
The Malaysian team are still intent on participating unless the BWF calls off the tournaments.
