10 Aug 2009

England pull out of worlds over security

6:21 am on 10 August 2009

England have pulled out of the badminton world championships in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad due to security concerns for their team.

Badminton England chief executive Adrian Christy says it was a tough decision one they didn't take lightly.

He says after the Olympic Games, this is the most prestigious championships in the world but they're not prepared to risk the safety of their players, coaches and staff in what they felt could have been a very volatile environment.

Badminton England said in a statement that the decision followed "concerns about the English team potentially being a target of attack in the event of a terrorist act."

Christy says the federation also took advice from the British Foreign Office and the High Commission in India.

The championships start today.

New Zealand does have some athletes at the World Championships.