Saina Nehwal to skip Asian Championships

Saina Nehwal has opted to skip the Asian Championships

India’s top shuttler and Olympic bronze medalist, Saina Nehwal, has decided to not participate in the upcoming Asian Championships badminton event scheduled to begin next week in Korea. Saina was a bronze medalist at this event in 2010. She will next feature at the Thomas and Uber Cups, where she will represent the Indian team, slated to be held in New Delhi.

Coach Pullela Gopichand confirmed the news yesterday and said that the decision to get Saina some rest was not a recent one, but one that had been planned much earlier. “We wanted her to work hard for the Uber Cup. It’s a prestigious tournament for us as we are hosting it. She will get a lot of time to practice and as she is our leading player so we are expecting lot from her,” said Gopichand.

He also dispelled any rumours about the withdrawal being down to the player’s rather inconsistent form.

“Her form has nothing to do with the pullout. We wanted to give her some rest, nothing else,” said Gopichand.

“With five weeks of good practice she will be back. There’s nothing wrong with her game or with the level of preparation or hard work. As of now nothing is clicking for her, many athletes go through this phase. Her moment will come sooner than later,” he added.

In Saina’s absence, teenager P.V. Sindhu will lead the Indian contingent at the Asian Championships.