London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal says that she has decided to skip the 2014 Commonwealth Games as she is not “fully fit and not recovered completely from blisters she suffered during the recent Australian Super Series (which she won).”
“It is a painful decision and I am terribly upset. But, I have had to take this decision since the world championship and the Asian Games, two other major events, are lined up immediately after the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. So I have very little time to recover,” the 24-year-old Saina said.
“After my return from Australia, I did start training but felt uncomfortable. And, I did not want to push myself too hard in view of the other two major events.
“I could have pushed myself to play but I have now decided against taking any risk.
“For, if something unforeseen happens during the CWG then it means I will miss both the world championship and the Asian Games which I don’t want to,” the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist said.
“But I am terribly distressed. If only there had been a gap of a month between the Australian Super Series and the CWG then I would have definitely recovered in time to play,” she said.
“I am grateful to BAI officials for their considerate stand on this. I think they understand the gravity of the situation.
“My best wishes to fellow players who will spearhead the Indian challenge in the CWG,” she said.
