Sindhu, Srikanth get top billing as India Open returns after two years

The tournament, organised by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), will kickstart the 2022 international season

Former champions Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu of India have been given the top billing in the men’s and women’s sections, respectively, as India Open badminton returns after two-years hiatus.

The tournament will start with a main draw from January 11 and no spectators will be allowed at the venue, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. The tournament, organised by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), will kickstart the 2022 international season.

The 10th edition of the tournament, which is being held after a gap of two years following the Coronavirus outbreak in early 2020, will see participants from 19 countries across five categories.

Praneeth tests positive

Meanwhile, B Sai Praneeth, who won the 2019 World Championships bronze medal, on Sunday pulled out of the India Open after testing positive for Covid-19. “Yes, I have tested positive for Covid-19 in RT-PCR test. I had cold and cough since yesterday. I am isolating at home,” Praneeth said.

England pull out

The entire England badminton contingent has withdrawn from India Open after the country’s doubles specialist Sean Vendy and coach Nathan Robertson tested positive for the Covid-19.

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