Bangkok, Thailand-
Thailand will continue to host three major global badminton tournaments this month in Thailand despite the second emergence of Covid-19 infections and clusters in the country, although the tournaments will see substantial changes for safety reasons.
The “bubble” idea for the tournament was taken from successful sporting events held in the United States.
Top-ranked badminton players from all around the world have already arrived in Thailand and have been serving fourteen-day quarantines before their scheduled competitions.
There are three major badminton tournaments scheduled for January being held at the IMPACT exhibition center in Nonthaburi, which is currently one of five “high risk” Covid-19 provinces. Regardless of the classification, the event will continue albeit without any fans attending and all staff and players participated in a quarantine similar to the “bubble system” used by the NBA in America for NBA playoffs last year.
All players and staff involved in the competition had to go through the same quarantine process and testing as anyone else, according to event organizers and were not given any special treatment. They will not be allowed to leave their “bubble” environment during their stay and will only leave their rooms to attend training or the tournament.
Many countries are participating although Japan and China withdrew from the tournament, citing Covid-19 as a reason.
The tournaments and bubble environment is being monitored by various government agencies including the Department of Disease Control. The events are expected to be broadcasted on various sports broadcasting services.
Photos: BAT, Thai Government PR