The news is that the Malaysian badminton coach, who was hospitalized after showing swine flu-like symptoms, tested negative for the viral disease on Wednesday.

A brief statement from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) said: "The Malaysian coach's tests for H1N1 was negative."

While confirming the development, Punniah Choudary (Organising secretary of the world badminton championship) said that the coach had been cleared by the doctors and he was advised to take a good rest.

"Besides, one of the two Thai players suspected of having symptoms of the flu had been discharged, he is well but the other player is still in hospital," added Punniah.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the World Badminton Championship came under the threat of H1N1 flu when the Malaysian coach named Jeremy Gan was admitted to a local government hospital in Hyderabad after showing symptoms of the deadly disease.

It may be recalled here that over 250 players from 42 countries are competing in the six-day event that began Monday.

All the teams were tested at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad on their arrival.