Press Report Triggers Withdrawal
News 10:04 AM
The BWF announced today the withdrawal of the 9-member English team from the YONEX-SUNRISE BWF World Championships 2009, being hosted in
Citing concerns over the safety and security of the English team in
“Whilst the BWF respects the decision by England, it’s unfortunate that the English team made their decision before we had had an opportunity to properly brief the team management before they decided,” Thomas Lund, BWF COO said of the withdrawal.
“We had intelligence information following a meeting with the Cyderabad Police Commissioner late Saturday which would have been important in the assessment of the security of their team,”
“Clearly perception plays an important role here, and members of the English team no doubt did not feel safe – but given the fact that the press report was based on false information and this had been confirmed by intelligence agencies and communicated, we obviously feel very sorry and disappointed about the decision”.
Lund added that “It is important to not only have the right security measures in place, but to ensure team members feel secure in their living, training and competition environments”.
On Saturday, the Times of India reported that the YONEX-SUNRISE Championships could be targeted by terrorists.
However at a press conference held at the Cyberabad Police Headquarters late Saturday afternoon, Commissioner of Police Prabakhar Reddy dismissed the report and said that the rumour was not based on any credible information.
“There is no specific threat to the World Championships,” said Commissioner Reddy.
Commissioner Reddy also confirmed that all necessary resources would be available to ensure the safety of the participants, official and public at the event.
The BWF is confident that all security and safety measures are in place. An Australian-based security consultant with major world event management expertise has been advising the BWF on the security arrangements for the Championships for the last six months.
The BWF and its security advisors, together with the police force and security agencies continue to work together to ensure the safe delivery of the event.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 10:04 AM.
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