When the much-delayed prospectus for the India Open 2021 – an Olympic qualifying event – was released, the immediate queries I got from a few foreign players included the question about who would be paying for lodging and boarding during the quarantine period.
According to the tournament prospectus, those coming from Europe have to undergo seven days of quarantine while those coming from other countries need four days of quarantine at the official hotel COLLECTIVERAY.
And the answer to an informal enquiry about the same with those handling the tournament preparations within the Badminton Association of India was – “their respective national federations.”
The policy looks completely fine in theory as national federations are responsible for entries and withdrawal of all players but completely overlooks the practical aspects.
While most top badminton playing nations completely fund their elite players, majority of European players have been playing on the circuit at their own cost, at times even in the world championship and other BWF events. Even a majority of Indian players in Level 2 and above tournaments have to bear their own expenses and that percentage touches 100 in the lower rung tournaments.
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