BWF's Disappointment After Indonesia Withdraws Its Representative From The 2021 World Championship

Illustration - Marcus/Kevin (Twitter.com/@INABadminton)

JAKARTA - The Badminton World Federation (BWF) expressed disappointment regarding Indonesia withdrawing its representatives from the 2021 World Championships. In fact, Indonesia had already participated in the drawing of the championship which took place in Spain.

The withdrawal of the Indonesian national team from the 2021 World Championships was decided by the Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PP PBSI), Agung Firman Sampurna, on Wednesday, December 8. The decision was taken by Agung after receiving input from the management, trainers, and the Head of Binpres PBSI.

The erratic spread of the 19 Omicron virus variant was the main reason for Indonesia to withdraw from this event. PBSI's choice to withdraw from the national team was later regretted by BWF.

"BWF is disappointed with PBSI's decision and regrets that the decision to withdraw was made after the draw", BWF wrote in an official release received by VOI, Thursday, December 9.

Not only regretting Indonesia's withdrawal from the 2021 World Championships, but BWF also confirmed that the defending champion in the men's singles sector and second in the world, Kento Momota also withdrew from the championship due to injury.

It didn't stop there, Malaysian seventh-seeded mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying also withdrew from the championship after announcing their separation as a couple after 13 years.

In the midst of many participants who decided to withdraw, BWF chose to continue the competition. They will maximize the existing participants so that they can compete safely.

"However, the BWF and the Spanish badminton federation are now focused on keeping this World Championship safe and successful by the advice and actions taken by local and national health authorities, including comprehensive health protocols for all players, team officials, and stakeholders", wrote BWF.

The 2021 World Championships will take place at the Palacio de Los Deportes Carolina Marin Arena, Huelva, Spain on December 12-19.