JOIN US'I hope to stay fit for CWG, Asian Games'
After a splendid run in the IBL, star shuttler Saina Nehwal is now hoping to do well in the upcoming Denmark Open and aims to keep herself fit for next year’s Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
“Next year, it is going to be very tough with Commonwealth Games, Asian games etc,” said Saina. “I hope to stay fit for that,” added the world number four.
Expressing happiness about her performance in the IBL, where she remained unbeaten, she said the new tournament has helped the young and senior players as well. “IBL would really help all the youngsters, players like us to play with most of the top players and I think it will really help Indian players to improve a lot.”
The 23-year-old from Hyderabad girl said badminton in the country is poised to make giant strides with several young players performing well in international competitions. “I think all the players are doing really well. (PV) Sindhu, (K) Srikanth are doing very well. I think it will be just a matter of time, when we will be there in top 10 in almost all the categories,” Saina said.
Saina said she hoped to be fit for the Rio Olympics though there is still long time to go for the mega sports event. “I just want to stay fit. Because, Olympics is going to be tough for everyone. It is going to be really challenging. It comes after three years. So it will be really, really tough for all of us to stay fit till that time,” she said.
“But I just hope to be more confident, be more relaxed and just give my best.” Asked about the recent reports of rivalry with her younger colleague Sindhu during the IBL, Saina said: “I think I don’t have to answer for anything. It is for my happiness I am playing this game. I really want to achieve a lot for my country. That is what is important.”
Saina to skip Japan Open
Saina and a few other Indian doubles shuttlers will skip the Japan Open Super Series in Tokyo from Sep 17-22 to concentrate on the European circuit in October.
“A few players have been withdrawn from Japan Open following their request and advice of chief national coach Pullela Gopichand. They would now be concentrating on the European circuit starting with the Denmark Open Super Series Premier next month,” said a BAI statement Thursday.
Denmark Open will be held in Odense from Oct 15-20.
PTIThe following is the Indian contingent for Japan Open: Parupalli Kashyap, Ajay Jayaram, B. Sai Praneeth, K. Srikanth, Saurabh Verma, Manu Attri, Sumeet Reddy and P.V. Sindhu. Coach: Madhumita Bisht.