The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is continuing to monitor all official developments on the coronavirus situation and has some important updates in regard to implications for international badminton and Para badminton competitions.
The Federation is aware a number of countries have introduced entry restrictions into their territories for people from China and foreign nationals who have visited China in the last 14 days.
Additionally, a number of airlines have suspended services to and from China.
These circumstances create a range of challenges and the BWF is looking into the implications of these travel restrictions, which may mean players and officials from China will not be able to participate in some BWF-sanctioned tournaments easily.
The BWF would like to make it clear, however, that it will not be restricting participation of Chinese players and officials, or any other players or officials, at international badminton and Para badminton tournaments.
Chinese athletes are free to enter events and we trust tournament hosts will provide full assistance and treat all athletes from all Member Associations (MAs) equally.
We have asked all MAs and hosts to contact their national health authorities to make them aware that international players will be arriving in their country and to seek advice on prevention and necessary courses of action should an incidence occur.
We also recognise that each Member Association’s national health authority will have its own rules and procedures which differ region to region.
Because of the fast-changing nature of the situation, it is vital we work closely with key stakeholders such as the Chinese Badminton Association (CBA), all Member Associations and tournaments hosts, as well as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to align on global and regional measures being put in place.
This includes communicating a number of common-sense measures endorsed by the IOC that all tournament hosts can implement to help participants at their events feel safe.
In the meantime, all normal tournament conventions and etiquette will still apply at badminton events such as the coin toss, shaking of hands and medal ceremonies.
The BWF is considering all relevant health, safety and logistical risks and will continue to update the entire badminton community on any further developments related to the coronavirus.
Also see BWF Statement On Postponement of Lingshui China Masters 2020.
** Please contact BWF Communications & Media Manager Lloyd Green [email protected] for any media inquiries.
BWF Newsletter
