Gopichand academy closed as Sikki Reddy, physio test positive for COVID-19

New Delhi: Shuttler N Sikki Reddy and physiotherapist Kiran George have tested positive for COVID-19 at the ongoing national camp, forcing the closure of the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad for sanitisation, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) said on Thursday.

Women's doubles specialist Sikki and George, who have been attending the national camp at the academy, are both asymptomatic. 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 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 P V Sindhu, following the approval from the Telangana government on August 1.