Saina Nehwal takes dig at BAI over trials

PTI

New Delhi, April 14

Two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Saina Nehwal today questioned the timing of the selection trials and slammed the Badminton Association of India (BAI) for “putting” her out of two multi-sports events later this year.

The governing body had called for the selection trials on April 2 to pick the Indian team for the big-ticket events, including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the Asian Games in Hangzhou and the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup in Bangkok, to be held from May 8 to 15.

Nehwal, a former world No. 1, said she had informed the BAI about her decision to skip the trials which begin at the IG stadium tomorrow but it did not mean she was not eager to participate at the major events.

“Surprised to see all the articles stating that I don’t want to defend my CWG title and my Asiad medal. I’m just not participating in the trials because I got back from three weeks of European events and according to the schedule there’s Asian Championships,” Saina tweeted. “In two weeks’ time, as a senior player to participate in back-to-back events is impossible and its risking injuries, such short notice is not possible. I’ve conveyed this to the BAI but there has been no response. It seems they’re happy to put me out of the CWG and Asiad.”—

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