Copenhagen: The 2017 World Championship champion, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark has suffered from pollen allergy in the last two weeks, and has been receiving treatment from Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen.
However, Axelsen still experiencing symptoms of asthma such as coughing and breathing after the treatment, which prompted him to pull out from the 2019 European Games that will be held in Minsk, Belarus, from Jun 21, 2019 to Jul 1, 2019.
“I can’t really do anything about the situation. I really hope to participate in the European Games, because it will provide Olympic qualification points, but I can’t train and can’t even play at my normal level. I can only stay at home and wish all other Danish athletes good luck in Minsk,” said Axelsen.
“I am looking forward for getting better soon in preparation for the World Championships in August,” added Axelsen.
Since the drawing for badminton has been finalized in the European Games, Denmark couldn’t send another player to replace Axelsen’s vacated spot. Therefore, Anders Antonsen became the sole men’s singles representative from Denmark to compete at the quadrennial sporting event.
