Reports: Thomas, Uber Cup Finals likely to be postponed to 2021

Following the withdrawal of several countries, including Indonesia and Korea, the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals are likely to be postponed to after next year's Tokyo Olympics, Malaysian media outlet The Star reported on Monday.

The Thomas and Uber Cup Finals, scheduled to be held in Aarhus, Denmark, from October 3-11, are intended to mark the resumption of international badminton following the suspension of the tour in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. On Friday, Indonesia and Korea withdrew from the tournament due to concerns about Covid-19, joining Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

According to The Star, the decision was made on Sunday at a virtual emergency council meeting of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), who are likely to make an official announcement soon. The withdrawal of top-seeded team Indonesia, who have won the Thomas Cup 13 times and the Uber Cup thrice, reportedly led to the decision as one of the requirements of the sponsors is to have the top three teams in the fray.

On Sunday, Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal raised concerns about the timing of the event, asking whether it would be safe to go ahead with it in the middle of a raging pandemic.

India's build-up to the event has also been hit by the pandemic. A proposed preparatory camp in Hyderabad had to be cancelled after players refused to accept the quarantine conditions set by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

If it is postponed, it will be the third such one for The Finals this year alone. They were first slotted for May 16-24 and then moved to August 15-23 before the current October date.