Asian Games 2023: Saina Nehwal Unfazed by Missing Hangzhou Ticket Amid Ongoing Injury Concerns

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Olympic Bronze Medalist Saina Nehwal, unfazed by Missing Hangzhou Ticket Amid Ongoing Injury Concerns.

“My goal is not to play Asian games and other games; I have already done that, but it would still be better if I could. Let's hope for the best and a speedy recovery; if everything goes well, you might see me at another event” said Saina.

In Saina's absence, Kidambi Srikanth, Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu will be leading the Indian Badminton contingent in the Hangzhou, Asian Games 2023 set to take place from September 23-October 8.

Saina, who recently suffered knee and cartilage injuries during the Singapore Open, stated at a press conference for the Global Race 2023 that she wants to play with full confidence and not play half-heartedly due to the inflammation.

She also said that she is not open to coaching in future, calling it the "toughest job".

"Not thinking about coaching. For me playing is easy and coaching is the toughest job," she added.

The last time we saw Saina Nehwal in action was at the Orleans Master back in April 2023 as she has been suffering from injury issues throughout the course of her career which led to a decline in her career trajectory. The injuries also led to her missing out on the trials for the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships in January and the trials for the Commonwealth Games last year.

She has participated in six BWF World Tour events so far this year and has had three first-round and three second-round exits. She is now rated 55th in the world in the women's singles category.

She won the Indonesia Masters in January 2019 for her most recent BWF World Tour victory.