Despite COVID-Negative Report, Indian Shuttler Not Allowed To Board Plane

Bengaluru: Ajay Jayaram, one of India’s top badminton players, was not allowed to board a Denmark-bound flight from Bengalure despite carrying a valid visa and a COVID-19 negative report.

Jayaram was scheduled to play in the Denmark Open Super Series meet next week, where a clutch of Indian shuttlers are planning to resume competition on the BWF circuit following the long coronavirus pandemic-induced lay-off.

The rest of the Indian squad — including Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth and Subhankar Dey – flew from to Denmark Delhi on Thursday previous night – while Jayaram was booked on a British Airways flight on Friday morning.

“I wasn’t allowed to board British Airways flight this morning. The rest of the Indian team has flown out with Air France last night from Delhi having the same type-C Schengen visa as me. Kindly help,” Jayaram tweeted, tagging Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju and the Prime Minister’s official handle.

The 33-year-old player said that besides a valid visa and a certificate confirming he had tested negative for COVID-19, he was also carrying an invitation letter from the organisers of the Denmark Open.

“I need to travel from Bangalore to Denmark tonight for the Denmark Open. I have a valid type C visa with COVID negative certificate and invitation letter from organisers stating my cause is worthy. I want to know if I can travel by Air France. Please let me know,” he appealed to Air France to let him board a flight.