Denmark Open Passes Crucial Test With Flying Colours
From cautious optimism on the opening day, to fulfilment and triumph at the end, those closely involved with the DANISA Denmark Open 2020 were treated to a rewarding journey and learning experience.
· DEV SUKUMAR
The caution in the lead-up to the event – on the part of BWF, Badminton Denmark, players and their entourage – was understandable. All it would take was one positive COVID-19 case to throw a spanner in the works. Thus, months of preparation had gone in to ensure that the event wouldn’t be thrown off course.
A colour coded ‘bubble’ system was devised to keep the players and core personnel shielded from those who were relatively at risk. It was badminton’s first implementation of such a system. The biggest victory at the Denmark Open was the success of this system – it proved that, given meticulous preparation and constant vigil, an event of this level could be possible, without compromising on any of the key features of the HSBC BWF World Tour.
A lot is owed to the outstanding work of hosts Badminton Denmark, who along with BWF devised and put in place thorough testing measures, as well as necessary contact tracing and isolation quarantine protocols in the event of a positive test. The extent of these procedures provided a safety net of calm and reassurance for all involved.