Badminton News: India's Thomas & Uber Cup squad announced

The Badminton Association of India announces the Uber Cup and Thomas Cup squad for India to be played in Denmark starting from October 3. India's Uber Cup squad is bolstered by the presence of both Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu after the latter consented to her availability at the insistence of BAI president Himanta Biswa Sarma. Commonwealth Games bronze medallists Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy, meanwhile, will be helming the doubles department with youngsters Aakarshi Kashyap and Malvika Bansod also getting a look into the squad. The Thomas Cup squad will be led by former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth with Parupalli Kashyap and Lakshya Sen being the other top stars. The doubles charge will be spearheaded by former national champions Manu Attri and B. Sumeeth Reddy. World Championship bronze medallist Sai Praneeth pulls out of the tournament due to fitness concerns while India's No.1 men's doubles pair Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy will also not be available due to the latter testing positive for COVID-19. The selected players have been asked to submit fitness certificate by September 17 and players have been advised to train on their own and keep BAI updated on their regular fitness and training status. Team departure date will be intimated to the players later, once everything is finalised.