Kuala Lumpur, May 4 (IANS): The New Zealand badminton team has pulled out of the 2022 Thomas Cup Finals after a number of their players tested positive for Covid-19, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed on Wednesday.

The USA badminton team will replace New Zealand in Group D in the prestigious tournament, which begins in Bangkok on May 8.

"Team New Zealand has withdrawn from the BWF Thomas Cup Finals 2022 due to a significant number of their squad being unable to participate," the BWF said in a statement.

The world governing body also mentioned that no other Oceania Member Association was able to fulfil the continental quota place in absence of New Zealand.

"No other Oceania Member Association was able to fulfil the continental quota place. Hong Kong, China and Spain were next in line based on world rankings, but they too declined. Team USA confirmed their participation and will take their place in Thomas Cup Group D alongside Japan, Malaysia, and England," it said.

Notably, the Indian men's team has been placed alongside fourth seeds Chinese Taipei, Germany and Canada in Group C of the Thomas Cup.