BWF postpones Thomas and Uber Cup Finals for second time

The Thomas and Uber Cup Finals were on Wednesday pushed back for the second time due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) decided to hold the global team championships from October 3 to 11 in Aarhus, Denmark.

"Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Denmark can confirm the TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2020 in Aarhus, Denmark has new dates of 3-11 October 2020," the BWF said in a statement.

"Following the Danish Government's decision on 6 April to extend a ban on "larger gatherings" in Denmark until the end of August, both parties agreed that it was no longer feasible to stage the championships on the rescheduled dates of 15-23 August," the statement, on BWF's official website, read.

"BWF in consultation and consensus with Badminton Denmark, tournament organisers, Sport Event Denmark and the local Aarhus government concluded that a move to October was the best solution."

BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said: "Our main priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of athletes, staff, volunteers, judges and the entire badminton community. We listened to the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO), various health experts, local authorities and the Danish Government and it became clear that hosting a big event like the TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals before September would be difficult."

"We are confident that we can stage a safe and successful championships on the new dates of 3-11 October while all the time monitoring the situation closely should things change again."

Badminton Denmark CEO Bo Jensen added: "It is sad for us to change the dates again. However, our immediate concern is with the safety of all involved in this very uncertain time."

"It's still an achievement for us to be the first country outside of Asia to host the TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals and we are looking forward to welcoming fans, players, volunteers, officials and staff in the safest way possible."

The BWF added in the statement that possible solutions are being considered for its Annual General Meeting and Members' Forum.

"Both events are key highlights on the BWF calendar and were due to take place in Aarhus during the week of the TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2020," it read.

The tournament was originally scheduled to be held from May 16-24 but on March 20 was postponed to August 15-23 initially due to the coronavirus crisis.