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Monday November 2, 2009

BWF won’t take away 2010 tourney from Mexico

THE Badminton World Federation (BWF) have insisted that there is no plan to relocate the 2010 World Junior Championships from Guadalajara in Mexico.

Several countries had requested the BWF to reconsider their decision to have the annual Under-19 championships in Mexico, citing security and health concerns.

There was even an informal meeting of the team managers in the just concluded edition of the championships in Alor Setar. And they even considered giving the championships, scheduled for April, a skip.

“We do not have any grounds to take the hosting job away from Mexico, especially when the hosting contract had already been signed,” said BWF deputy president Paisan Rangsipitkho.

“We only decided to give Mexico the job after evaluating their bid. They have fulfilled all requirements.

“The concerns raised by the team managers do not hold water.”

Paisan cited examples of Johannesburg and Rio de Janeiro, cities said to have a high crime index, winning the right to host the football World Cup and Olympic Games respectively.

“One shooting on the street does not make an entire city violent. As for health concerns, one can get sick by eating contaminated street food anywhere in Asia. So why single out Mexico?” he said.

“The Mexican organisers successfully hosted the continent’s Pan-Am Badminton Championships in Guadalajara last month and I see no reason for them not making the World Juniors at the same venue a success as well.”

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