BWF Cannot Do Much About Indonesia Forced To Withdraw From All England, Indonesian Embassy In England Will Meet NHS

Indonesian badminton men's doubles Hendra Setiawan / Mohammad Ahsan while trying to train on the main court at Utilita Arena Birmingham ahead of All England 2021 (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian badminton team manager Ricky Subagja said that his party had asked the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) for assistance in England after the Red and White team was forced to withdraw from All England 2021.

The request for assistance is intended so that the Indonesian Embassy can ask for clarity from the National Health Service (NHS) regarding the rules and protocols related to handling the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK amid the inability of the World Badminton Federation (BWF) to address the withdrawal problem experienced by the Indonesian team.

"BWF cannot do much because they convey that they are following the rules of the British Government", said Ricky in a PBSI upload via Instagram @badminton.ina, Thursday.

"I have also conveyed to the Indonesian Embassy to help related government to government. I only ask for clarity on existing regulations, especially regarding the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic”, he added.

According to Ricky, the Indonesian Embassy plans to communicate with the NHS on Thursday local time. The hope is that this meeting can produce positive and satisfying results for the Indonesian team.

The Indonesian national team on Wednesday, March 18 local time was forced to withdraw from All England 2021 after receiving an email from the NHS informing them that one of the passengers on the plane they were traveling from Istanbul to Birmingham tested positive for COVID-19.

Even though immediately after arriving in Birmingham, all Indonesian athletes immediately underwent a COVID-19 test and all received negative results. They are also even allowed to undergo training on the field.

Several Indonesian representatives had already competed in the first round of the All England 2021. Marcus-Kevin, Hendra-Ahsan, and Jonatan made it to the round of 16.

The match between Hendra Setiawan-Mohammad Ahsan will be the Indonesian team's last match at All England 2021. After that, all players and officials were asked to undergo independent isolation for 10 days according to the policy imposed by the British government.

However, Ricky ensures that all Indonesian teams in Birmingham are currently in good health and well.