Presence must at Finals: BWF
Hyderabad, Dec. 27: A niggling ankle injury which kept ace shuttler Saina Nehwal away from the Indian Open Grand Prix tournament in Hyderabad in mid-December and practice sessions thereafter, has now got the World No.4 more worries, after the Badminton World Federation insisted she address the press even if she cannot make it to the Super Series Finals, which will commence from January 5 in Chinese Taipei.
“I sent across a mail regarding the reason for skipping the Super Series Final with all the required medical reports and documents. They have been kind in their response expressing their concern but have asked me to meet the media in person before the start of the tournament,” Saina said.
“Since it is not possible for me to travel as I have to undergo physiotherapy and visit the rehab daily, I requested them for a video conference and am awaiting a reply,” she said.
“The international body accepted the letter and the documents but asked Saina to travel to Chinese Taipei for two days on January 3,” Saina’s father Harvir Singh confirmed.
“She is still recovering from her injury and will not be able to travel, hence we requested the BWF to arrange a video conference,” he added.
Saina may now have to pay a fine of $5,000 apart from the $250 withdrawal fee for skipping the $500,000 tournament.
Punnaiah Choudary, joint secretary of Badminton Association of India said the matter lies entirely in the hands of the BWF.
“It all depends on the BWF now. They have asked her to be present there to address a media conference,” said Punnaiah Choudary, emphasising, “This tournament is exclusively for the top eight players and is one of highest prize money events and so the withdrawal fine is high too.”
According to an email from the BWF to BAI, Choudary added, “It is mandatory for the invited players to participate in the event which can otherwise be considered as breach of rules. Disciplinary action can be taken against a player if he/she fails to be present for a minimum of two days.”
“However, BWF has the right to waive cases in which medical conditions prevent travel. The case then lies with the disciplinary committee whether the player will face further penalties,” he added.
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