Indonesia withdraws from world meet over Omicron concerns

KUALA LUMPUR: The Indonesian badminton team has withdrawn from the World Championships, which starts on Sunday in Huelva, Spain.

All-Indonesian Badminton Federation (PBSI), in a statement, on Wednesday, said the decision was taken due to the concerns over the Omicron Covid-19 outbreak.

"The rapid spread of the Omicron prompted us to withdraw from the world meet," said PBSI development and performance division head Rionny Mainaky.

"We don't want to take any risks. The safety and health of athletes are more important. We have discussed with the players and they agreed to pull out."

The withdrawal of Indonesia is a massive blow for the world meet, especially in the men's doubles competition where they boast three seeded pairs.

They are top seeds Kevin Sanjaya-Marcus Fernaldi, second seeds and defending champions Mohammad Ahsan Hendra Setiawan and sixth seeds Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto.

The other notable contenders include Anthony Ginting and Jonatan Christie in the men's singles and Olympic champions Greysia Polii-Apriyani Rahayu (women's doubles).

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