WSF hope to reschedule Women’s World Teams but BJO is cancelled
By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor
The 2020 WSF World Women’s Team Championships and the 2021 British Junior Open are the latest casualties of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The BJO has been cancelled but the WSF and the Malaysian SRA hope to reschedule the Women’s Team event early next year.
The World Squash Federation today announced: “The WSF and the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) regret to announce that the 2020 WSF World Women’s Team Championships have been postponed due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
“The 22nd edition of the biennial event was scheduled at the 10-court Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre in Kuala Lumpur from 15-20 December. But, due to the health and safety concerns during this global pandemic, the Malaysian government announced that they have extended their ‘Recovery Movement Control Order’ until December 31 and therefore no events allowing international participation will take place in the country until 2021.
“The WSF will continue to work with SRAM for the rescheduling of the World Women’s Team Championships and the possibility to host the 2020 WSF World Junior Championships in the 1st quarter of 2021 will be also discussed at the upcoming Executive Committee and Board meetings planned 8-10 September.
“Any future updates will be announced by the WSF on their website and social media channels.”
England Squash announced that the British Junior Open, scheduled to take place in Birmingham from 2-6 January, has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The prestigious major event attracts more than 600 of the world’s finest junior athletes from 55 different nations.
“It is with great regret that we announce the cancellation of next year’s British Junior Open,” said Keir Worth, CEO at England Squash.
“The ongoing pandemic and the restrictions on international travel pose a major risk, and the health and safety of athletes, spectators and all those involved is paramount in these unprecedented times.
“This decision was not made lightly and the organising committee has explored all viable options to safely host this historic tournament but the unpredictability of COVID-19 makes it logistically untenable.
“We look forward to hosting the event in 2022 when the Commonwealth Games comes to Birmingham and to provide a spectacular showcase for squash.”
Pictures courtesy of WSF and England Squash