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Former World No. 1 Saina Nehwal
Saina Nehwal’s decision to forgo the selection trials for the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games could signal the end of a brilliant career in international badminton that spans more than a decade and a half. Saina, a former world No. 1, has been the worldwide torchbearer for women’s badminton, having represented India three times at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (2018), New Delhi (2010), and Melbourne (2010). (2006).
While there is little doubt that the Hisar-born shuttler can still put on a show on the professional circuit, her refusal to participate in BAI trials could jeopardise her chances of representing India in multi-discipline competitions such as the CWG, Asiad, Olympics, and Uber Cup.
Saina, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, had hoped to defend her crown in Birmingham, but whether it was a rushed decision or a miscommunication, the dream is now fading. Saina resorted to Twitter on Thursday to criticise the Badminton Association of India for not responding to her e-mail and to question the logic of having the trials.
BAI
The federation, on the other hand, has remained silent, implying that the transition phase in women’s singles has begun and that the focus will now be completely on the younger generation of players, allowing them to exhibit their skill on a global scale.
“She has done a lot for the country, but she hasn’t done anything noteworthy in the previous two years.” On condition of anonymity, a former coach told PTI that she hasn’t been able to resolve her injury difficulties.
“That’s difficult to play at the international level with constant niggles, so she has to accept it and not get worked up about it.” No one can deny her contribution to the game, but I don’t want to see her so enraged about it,” the renowned coach added.
When BAI announced the selection trials for the Commonwealth Games, Thomas and Uber Cup, and Asian Games on April 2, it seemed that the wheels of change were put in action.
The top 15 players were excused from the trials, but the rest of the top Indian players, including Tokyo Olympian B Sai Praneeth and three-time CWG medalist Ashwini Ponnappa, who are ranked 16 to 50, consented to take part in the trials, which began on Friday.
Saina, who is now ranked 23rd, withdrew because she didn’t want to put her body through the rigours after returning from three back-to-back championships in Europe, and the Asian Championships are due to begin on April 26. Saina’s arguments are reasonable, as she hasn’t been in the finest of physical form in recent months.
Recurrent injuries slowed her recovery to top condition, and it showed in her results, as she was forced to withdraw from a series of tournaments early.
During her tight three-game loss against Japan’s world no. 2 Akane Yamaguchi in the first round of the All England Championships, the 32-year-old showed hints of her previous self. Saina is still trying to get back on track and does not want to go through the trials, which will require her to play 6-7 matches.
However, it is reported that BAI will not make any concessions for the London Games bronze medalist and has made it clear that participation in the trials is required in order to be picked for the major team events.
“She could have played it as if it were simply another week-long competition.” “I accept that a two-week period is not ideal, but where is the opening in such a tight schedule?” remarked the former coach.
“It’s a new administration, and I don’t believe the trials are being held unfairly,” he added.
Saina’s choice to compete at the India Open in January before being fully fit backfired, as she lost in straight games to fast-rising Malvika Bansod. This, combined with her previous lacklustre performance, has cast doubt on her ability to win a medal at the multi-discipline games.
On the other hand, BAI is eager to invest in the next generation of players, such as the Malvika Bansods, Akarshi Kashyaps, and Tasnim Mirs, who are all on the same level.
“With COVID-19 causing havoc on the domestic and international circuits, selection trials were the only way to figure out where the players stood in terms of rankings,” a BAI official reasoned.
While Saina won’t be competing in team competitions any longer, her international badminton career is far from ended. “Make no mistake about it: she’s still a strong opponent. She should now focus on open events, and if she is pain-free, she may still compete well,” the former coach remarked.
“She had a decent performance in the first round of the All England championship against Akane and it shows that she still has the hunger in her.”
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