PV Sindhu self-quarantines after returning from Birmingham, coach Pullela Gopichand shuts academy

Indian shuttler PV Sindhu who was part of the All England Open has currently self-quarantined after returning from Birmingham. The badminton player training has been hampered as the SAI-Gopichand academy in Hyderabad is currently locked down because of the coronavirus.

The lockdown of the academy comes after the Telangana state government ordered the closure of all academies, summer camps, etc. till March 31. However, the Union Sports Ministry had said that the training of Olympics-bound athletes must continue, but chances of the academy opening soon are thin.

National chief coach, Pullela Gopichand, who also returned from Birmingham, said they will follow the orders of the state government as the health of the players the top priority.

“It’s a specific notification from the Telangana government to close down all indoor, outdoor stadiums, summer camps, etc. We have all come from various places via Dubai and Doha, so two weeks of isolation is required and we will follow that. They have said March 31. We will see after that,” Gopichand told Hindustan Times.

Some institutions had their licenses cancelled after they did not follow the directive, he said.

“We had police come to check whether we have closed or not. Some 16 institutions in the city had not followed it up, and their licenses were cancelled. They are doing it strictly, we cannot take chances. It is in the best interests of everyone to follow the government guidelines, so we will wait and watch.”

Sindhu’s father PV Ramana said they are looking for alternatives to help Sindhu train without any risk. “All academies are shut currently. After one week we will see whether we can take some permission for Sindhu. Those who are going to the Olympics have to be in preparation mode or else it will be difficult. The Olympics is not postponed, it’s four months away,” said Ramana, a former India volleyball player.

“Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has said Olympics-bound athletes should be allowed to practice. The best possible way is to request the authorities to allow those shuttlers who are confirmed for Olympics as of now. We can then take precaution, maintain distance and continue with training,” Ramana added, according to Hindustan Times.

Besides Sindhu, Sai Praneeth, doubles combination of Satwik Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are all likely to confirm their place for the Tokyo Olympics. While Shetty is in Mumbai, Rankireddy is at his home in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh.

“Everyone is training at home. And also there is no tournament in May. Basically, we are looking at something only in late May-June. I don’t think there is any hurry, let the players also get some rest and recoup. If there had been a tournament next month, I would be really worried. Health is important and we have to be careful in the current situation. My advice to the players is to stay at home and follow their fitness routine,” said Gopichand.