British Broadcasting Corporation

BBC Sport badminton

Watch Sport news bulletin
IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 15:32 GMT, Thursday, 13 August 2009 16:32 UK

Security fears see Austrians quit

Badminton

Austria's men's doubles duo have become the latest players to withdraw from the World Badminton Championships in India on security grounds.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed Jurgen Koch and Peter Zauner have already flown home.

"They left Hyderabad in the early hours of Tuesday stating they did not feel secure," said a BWF statement.

The event has been beset by problems since the English team pulled out, citing a "specific terrorist threat".

Teams from Wales and Scotland are taking part in the Hyderabad tournament, however, with members of the Scottish team saying they are "virtual prisoners" in their hotel because of the heightened levels of security.

606: DEBATE

The Austrian pair sought advice from their embassy and ministry of foreign affairs before deciding to leave.

There are also suggestions the pair were concerned about rising levels of swine flu in the country, but another Austrian player and a coach have decided to stay.

Security has been tightened across India ahead of Saturday's Independence Day celebrations.



Print Sponsor


see also
Welsh pairs knocked out of Worlds
12 Aug 09 |  Badminton
Badminton team feel 'imprisoned'
11 Aug 09 |  Scotland
Badminton team deny overreaction
10 Aug 09 |  Badminton
Badminton calendar
27 May 09 |  Badminton
Badminton results
27 May 09 |  Badminton


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

Explore the BBC

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.