London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal is chasing another dream — to win a medal in the World Championships beginning in Copenhagen on August 25.
The 24-year-old shuttler, whose decision to pull out of the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games evoked mixed reactions, said she was feeling much better after having skipped the CWG because of blisters. “I know what kind of pain I suffered. I don’t want to engage in any debate on the pros and cons of that decision,” explained Saina at the Gopi Academy here.
“I have no regrets about missing the CWG. I love to compete when I am fully fit rather than play and lose when not fit. I just didn’t want to lose in the CWG. Everything is so fitness-oriented in any sport now. You can’t win every tournament you play. All that you can hope is to have a decent run,” said Saina. “I don’t give much thought to the draw which is tough again — like it was in the Australia Super Series which I won recently. But, I will enter the Worlds carrying a lot of confidence from that win.”
Regarding the issue of all majors lined up in the space of two months, Saina said it was tough but still she could manage. “Giving your best is a huge task when events of this magnitude are held within such a short span. Focusing is never easy. This is the biggest challenge as you are mentally and physically drained due to hours of training before these events.”
Sindhu wants to do betterFor her part, P.V. Sindhu wished to take pride from her bronze medal at the last Worlds and looked to improve upon that performance.
“I am feeling good despite the disappointment of not winning the gold in the recent CWG. I am ready for the Worlds,” she said.
India’s chief National coach Pullela Gopi Chand was concerned about the schedule.
“It is tough for the coach and the players, too, if you have such majors lined up. This is a worrying factor. It is difficult for the best of the players to come back to training in such short gaps and be in the groove.
“This time the World championship is a different proposition altogether. But, the best part is that we are going into it after an impressive showing at the recent CWG. In women’s singles, Saina is back. Jwala and Ashwini (who have been training with S.M. Arif) continue to be the best medal hopes. The confidence is high in the team,” he said.
The Indian players at the Gopi Academy trained with the Li Ning shuttles instead of Yonex shuttles as the former will be used in the Danish capital.