ENGLAND’S eight-strong squad today confirmed they had pulled out of the Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Badminton Championships, starting tomorrow in the Indian city of Hyderabad, over concerns about the English team potentially being a target of attack in the event of a terrorist act.

The decision follows media reports of a specific Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist threat against the Championships. Following those reports BADMINTON England felt the risk to the safety of the Team was one they could not take.

Adrian Christy, Chief Executive, said: "This was an incredibly tough decision and one we didn't take lightly. After the Olympic Games, this is the most prestigious Championships in the world but we were not prepared to risk the safety of our players, coaches and staff in what we felt could have been a very volatile environment.

“We are extremely grateful for the speed in which the BWF and the Organising Committee reacted to the concerns following the threat. We have carefully considered the comments made by the local police authorities and we know that they have the best interest of all competitors in mind.

“We have also listened to the advice from the Foreign Office and British High Commission. We have been in constant dialogue with them over the past couple of days.

“The conclusion is that safety is of paramount importance and therefore, with great regret, the team will be returning home immediately."

Ian Moss, the England Performance Director, said: “It is a disappointing outcome, especially after we had enjoyed a very good preparation at our holding camp in Doha, Qatar, last week.

"Our athletes were extremely well prepared for these Championships but, at the end of the day, personal safety must take priority over performance.

"This was a unanimous squad decision and is not reflective of the efforts made by the Organising Committee to create the safest environment possible for all athletes.”

The England squad is: Singles: Andrew Smith (Hants), Rajiv Ouseph (Middx). Doubles: Anthony Clark, Nathan Robertson, Chris Adcock (all Notts); Donna Kellogg (Derbyshire), Gabby White and Jenny Wallwork (both Yorks).

BADMINTON England officials are available for comment but, in the first instance, all media enquiries should be directed to William Kings, Press Officer, on (00 44) 7787 51 53 53.