Kuala Lumpur: The New Zealand team has withdrawn from the 2022 Thomas Cup Finals which will be held in Bangkok from May 8, 2022, to May 15, 2022, as some players from the New Zealand team were tested positive for COVID-19.
“During the recent Oceania Championships, and in the subsequent days after this event, several New Zealand players have tested positive for COVID-19. This has resulted in a severely depleted team, with the possibility of additional positive cases detected upon arrival in Thailand,” said Badminton New Zealand.
“The difficult decision to withdraw the team was made, considering all factors and putting player welfare at the forefront of our thinking,” added Badminton New Zealand.
“We are focused on supporting the remaining New Zealand players in Australia and getting them home safely, as soon as possible,” continued Badminton New Zealand.
The world governing body for the sport of badminton – the Badminton World Federation (BWF) also issued the statement below in regards to New Zealand’s withdrawal.
“Team New Zealand has withdrawn from the BWF Thomas Cup Finals 2022 due to a significant number of their squad being unable to participate,” said BWF in an announcement published on Wednesday.
“Team USA confirmed their participation and will take their place in Thomas Cup Group D alongside Japan, Malaysia, and England.”
The United States finished runners-up to traditional powerhouses Malaysia in the 1952 edition of the event.
The Indonesia team won the previous edition of the Thomas Cup in Aarhus, Denmark on October 17, 2021.
