There is no doubting the fact that it hasn't been the best of starts to the new season for Saina Nehwal. The 25-year-old is yet to feature in a competitive tournament and will play her maiden competition at the All England Championships, starting next week.
Speaking about the decision to not play in any of the tournaments in either January or February, Saina said that she wanted to be fully fit by the end of February and added that she felt totally out of shape at the time.
“I opted out from PBL and South Asian Championship, and also other tournaments, because I wanted to be fully fit by February. I knew I will not have time to recover post-June. I was completely out of shape ... I am now playing better. Lets see how it goes about,” she told in an interview.
Despite her injury concerns, Saina remains India’s best bet for a medal in badminton at Rio 2016 and speaking about her chances, she said that she was fortunate to have got a medal at the London Olympics in 2012 nd hoped to remain injury-free at Rio 2016.
“Last time, I was very fortunate to get bronze medal. So, hopefully, this time, if I play, I hope to get at least one medal for the country. I hope to be injury-free to participate in Rio Olympics,” Saina, who is recovering from a foot injury,” she said.
Saina;s first opponent at the All England Championships will be Michelle Li of China.
