B Sai Praneeth tests positive for Covid-19, pulls out of India Open

Indian shuttler B Sai Praneeth has pulled out of the upcoming India Open after contracting Covid-19, confirmed the Badminton Association of India.

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Praneeth who won bronze at the 2019 World Badminton Championship confirmed his positive test and told PTI that he has had a cold and cough since Saturday after which he took the RTPCR test which turned out positive. He also informed that he has been isolating at home.

The 2022 edition of the India Open which has not been hosted for 2 years due to Covid-19 will take place behind closed doors at the Indira Gandhi Stadium starting 11th January.

Meanwhile, despite the growing Omicron scare the event will not take place under a fully secured bio-bubble.

As per BAI's announcement, the players ranked under 25 will all stay in one hotel provided by the Association. They will be under strict norms and will be regularly tested for Covid-19 while the other participants have been asked to take care of their own expenses.

However, a mandatory daily Covid-19 test for all the players and staff will be done outside the facility, to make sure there is no outbreak at the event.