Better if Olympics is postponed: Coach Pullela Gopichand

NEW DELHI: India's chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand believes the Tokyo Olympics should be postponed given the unprecedented crisis that the world is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I have my doubts about the Olympics. It is not like it is far away. The preparation has to start now. So, the IOC has to take a call now for everyone to relax," Gopichand said.

"I think, in the present scenario, with the health scares and all the travel restrictions and all, it is a tough time and at the moment the whole world is thinking about health and safety for its citizens. So I think given the situation it is better if the Olympics are postponed," he added.

The Badminton World Federation was severely criticized for conducting the All England Championship earlier this month, despite the rapid spread of the deadly disease.

International players, including London Olympics bronze-medallist Saina Nehwal, slammed the BWF saying players' safety was compromised for financial gains and Gopichand also did not mince any words.

"Definitely, I think it was a wrong decision on BWF's part to put the players at risk by hosting the All England," said Gopichand, who is currently in self-isolation after returning from Birmingham. After being condemned by the players, the BWF suspended all tournaments till April 12. Agencies

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