Badminton Vs Swine Flu in Hyderabad

There have been more upsets outside the court at the World Badminton Championships in Hyderabad.

After a Malaysian coach was put under quarantine at the AP Chest Hospital with some symptoms of swine flu, the authorities were keen to say they were only being cautious, and that there was nothing to worry.

Said V K Verma, vice president, Badminton World Federation: "He is feeling much better today. He has no fever. I am sure it will turn out to be a simple case of viral flu."

The coach was sharing a room with two other. Besides, he has interacted with all his players.

Dr Mahesh Joshi, consultant, emergency medicine, Apollo Hospitals reacted: "If the case turns out to be positive, there will be a case to do chemoprophylaxis for the close contacts. Till such time, we will keep close contacts under survelliance."

A Thai doubles player too reported fever and allowed the Indian team a walkover. From now on, all players at the championship will need to get their temperature recorded twice a day.

Said Donna Haliday, the player from New Zealand: "It is the same situation in New Zealand. People are dying of swine flu in New Zealand also. But we are not worried about it at all."

The Yonex-Sunrise World Badminton championship so far has only been eclipsed by developments that have little to do with the game. Only a negative result for the Malaysian coach now would mean some positive news for the tournament.