Saina may cut down her events

'Want to use 2015 as build-up to Rio Oly'

After enduring a tough 2014, India’s ace shuttler Saina Nehwal is now gearing up for a better, brighter and more challenging 2015.

“I am expecting the new season to be more challenging. Last season, it was only in the latter half of the season that I got into good form and started winning matches, but I hope that I carry the good run into this season,” said the world number four who was in the city for a promotional event.

With the Rio Olympics on the horizon, the Hyderabadi knows the importance of this season as a build-up exercise. “The focus is definitely on the Rio Games. I want to be in my best form and maintain full fitness as I gear up for the Games. I will be starting the season with the Syed Modi International Badminton Championships, which begins in Lucknow on January 20. And then the All England Championships will be the next event on my cards,” she confirmed.

Saina started 2013 as world number eight and ended the season on number four. She expects to continue the good run and confirmed that she would consider dropping out of a few events if the need arises.

“Yes, I will be considering dropping out of a few tournaments. I do not have a schedule prepared for the season. It will depend on my performance and the level of fitness I maintain once we get into the later half of the year when back-to-back events happen with very less time to recover,” she said.

The shuttler also thanked the Sports Ministry for recommending her name for the Padma Bhushan. “I am very happy that the Sports Ministry has considered my nomination for the prestigious award and I would like to thank them for recommending me for the honour,” said the Indian who won the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Padma Shri in 2010.