Indian badminton star N Sikki Reddy detects COVID-19 positive

Indian badminton star N Sikki Reddy has tested positive for coronavirus after undergoing testing just before she resumed training at the national badminton camp in Hyderabad. Physiotherapist Kiran George has also contracted the virus, though both are asymptomatic.

Sikki Reddy had resumed training at the Pullela Gopichand badminton academy where the national camp is underway and also includes star players like PV Sindhu, B Sai Praneeth, among others.

Indian national team coach Pullela Gopichand and members of the support staff had underwent precautionary tests for Covid-19 as well. Gopichand's academy has been closed for sanitisation after the two positive tests.

Women’s doubles specialist Sikki Reddy and Kiran, who have been attending the national camp at the academy, are both asymptomatic, according to a SAI statement.

They had undergone the SAI’s mandatory Covid-19 test for



players, coaches and support staff before the start of training on August 7 at the facility.

“SAI’s mandatory Covid-19 test was given to all athletes, coaches, support staff and administrative staff at the badminton national camp, and two campers have tested positive for COVID-19,” chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand said.

“All necessary precautions as per protocol are being taken so that players can come back for training safely and as soon as possible.”

Both Sikki and Kiran are from Hyderabad and have been attending the camp from their homes. The academy has been closed down for sanitisation and all primary contacts of Sikki and Kiran are undergoing the RT PCR test again.

The badminton camp was allowed by SAI for eight Olympic hopefuls, including Rio Games silver-medallist and world champion PV Sindhu, following the approval from the Telangana government on August 1.