So If the Indian contingent had hoped for a gold medal from their badminton ace Saina Nehwal in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow!
So If the Indian contingent had hoped for a gold medal from their badminton ace Saina Nehwal in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, well, rue yourselves as the defending has pulled out of mega event after failing to recover from leg blisters sustained during the Australian Open Super Series triumph last month.
What a blow! With her presence, India were confident of landing a gold medal but now that she has pulled out, hopes will be pinned on the likes of PV Sindhu, Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa.
The Olympic bronze medallist, who is believed to be suffering from a knee injury as well, has taken the decision of withdrawing from the Glasgow Games in order to get fit for the rest of the season which includes important tournaments like the World Championship and the Asian Games. But will this be a bold move for Saina? Will it help her keep fit for the future events? How badly will India miss her at the Games?
Currently world number seven, Saina had defeated Wong Mew Choo of Malaysia in a thrilling final during the 2010 Commonwealth Games to bag a gold medal.
Without her, the Indian badminton contingent might fall flat. In the previous games at Delhi, India had won four medals. Besides Saina’s gold in women’s singles, the pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa won the yellow metal in women’s doubles; Parupalli Kashyap earned a bronze in men’s singles, while the hosts settled for silver in the team event.
This time around, India does have a chance of grabbing a medal or too at the CWG but Saina’s absence might land a ‘killer blow’. Saina’s withdrawal is a big blow to India as the shuttlers were hoping to win at least five medals this time around, with P V Sindhu in women’s singles and K Srikanth in men’s singles also having bright chances of a podium finish.
“I know I am a favourite at Commonwealth Games. I am the defending champion but I still have to play and give my 100 percent to win the title. In sports, it is difficult.” the 24-year-old was quoted in a news report.
In all fairness, even though India will miss the services of Saina at the CWG; we pray that the 24-year old Hyderabadi gets well soon and starts hurling those shuttle cocks again!
