PETALING JAYA: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary Datuk Kenny Goh (pic) has played down Malaysia’s chances of hosting the World Championships this year.
The world meet is scheduled to be held in New Delhi from Aug 17-23 but several players have raised concerns over India’s suitability as hosts due to issues in the ongoing Indian Open.
Denmark’s men’s singles star Anders Antonsen pulled out of the tournament, citing the air pollution in New Delhi while his teammate Mia Blichfeldt complained about the dirty training hall at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex where the world meet is also supposed to be held.
A monkey was also spotted in the fans’ seating area while bird droppings were found on court.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) have said that they will work with the Badminton Association of India (BAI) to ensure the facilities are world class for the world meet but questions marks still remain over whether India should host the prestigious event.
If India do lose their hosting rights, another country will have to step in to hold the tournament.
On whether Malaysia will be interested to take over as hosts, Kenny said: “Firstly, there hasn’t been any talks that India can’t host the World Championships.
“It is not that simple. India bid for the event and they got it based on the criteria set by BWF.
“I’m also sure the organisers and BWF will do the their best to take steps to rectify all issues that may affect the event.
“Even if India can’t host, it doesn’t mean Malaysia will be offered to hold the event.
“Even if Malaysia is offered, which is most unlikely as there is a process, as host country we need to look at the business model. Currently, the business model by BWF is not too favourable to the host country.
“So, there are many factors to consider before organising a major event,” concluded Kenny.
Malaysia last hosted the world meet in 2007 in Kuala Lumpur while 2009 was the last time the event was held in India in Hyderabad.
