Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal fears that mass pull out by top athletes from the Commonwealth Games will rob spectators of a chance to witness some great contests.
Reports of tourist-attack and a foot overbridge collapse, coupled with fears of dengue epidemic and doubts over hygiene of Games Village, have let to the withdrawal of many top stars and Saina said she is disappointed.
“I’m disappointed with the pull-out of some top athletes from the Delhi Games. If competition is not there it does not feel good as people come to see good contests,” Saina said on the sidelines of a promotional event here on Thursday.
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A number of participating countries have criticised the living conditions of the rooms in the towers that have been installed for the athletes and Saina said she was pained to read and hear about these negative publicity.
“I am sad and it feels bad to hear these on television.
But I cannot comment about the Games village as I am yet to see it. Without seeing it’s not proper for me to comment,” Saina said.
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In what should bring temporary respite to the ears of the under-fire Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi, Saina gave a big thumbs up to the badminton venue.
“I have played there and it’s a top class arena. The stadium is excellent,” she said.
Talking about India’s chances at the Commonwealth Games, Saina said the hosts are well poised to win a medal in each of the six events in badminton in Delhi.
“We have all trained very hard in Hyderabad for the Commonwealth Games and I’m confident we have a chance to win a medal in every event we participate in,” said the world No.3.
Six gold medals and an equal number of silver and bronze are on offer in badminton which is to be held at the Siri Fort Complex along with squash.
Saina said the challenge for India would come from Malaysia, Singapore and Scotland.