India’s aim to win five badminton medals at the Commonwealth Games suffered a massive blow after defending champion Saina Nehwal withdrew from Glasgow Commonwealth Games due to leg blisters.
“It is an extremely difficult decision but an important one,” Saina told PTI.
“I had suffered a groin injury during the first round in Australia and then there were those blisters on my leg but I still won the title. After I came back I had two and a half weeks but I took one week to recover, so hardly got a week to train. So, I decided to pull out. It’s heartbreaking for me as well,” the world number seven said.
“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,” Saina added.
“I did start practicing and I hoped that I could still go and play, but then I didn’t want to exert myself too much. I don’t want to risk an injury again. I have to be fit for the rest of the season. There are two more important and equally big tournaments coming up next — the World Championship and Asian Games. So I had to take a call,” said Saina.
“It is important to go into such big tournaments knowing you are 100 per cent and especially when I am playing well and have won an event. It will enhance my chances of winning a medal for India,” she further added.
Tags: Badminton Glasgow Commonwealth Games Saina Nehwal