Odisha Open: No Doubt About Authenticity Of COVID Tests, Says BAI

Cuttack: COVID-19 tests at the Odisha Open Super 100 tournament are being conducted according to protocols set by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) through a designated lab and there is no reason to question authenticity of the reports, Badminton Association of India (BAI) clarified on Wednesday.

There have been a number of COVID-positive cases among players and officials, with six participants earning a walkover in the first round on Day 2 of the tournament.

Tests for participants in the Odisha Open are being conducted at an ICMR lab run directly by the Government of India and boasts of the highest level of precision in its protocols.

“This is the third and last tournament of the India leg and as per BWF protocol, the host country designated the lab and in this case ICMR lab was appointed which is the country’s best. As per protocol, BWF upholds the findings of this lab only. Similar process was followed at the India Open and Syed Modi International and no exception was made at the Odisha Open as well,” BAI secretary Ajay K Singhania stated.

“BAI is also grateful to the Odisha Government for supporting the sport and also hosting the tournament in these tough times,” Singhania said. He further said that facilities in Cuttack have been state-of-art.