Could not give my best because of an injured knee: Saina Nehwal

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 14: After a shocking group league exit from the Rio Olympics, Saina Nehwal cited an inflammation in her right knee as the reason which hampered her on-court movement.

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World No 5 lost her second group league encounter 18-21, 19-21 to World No 61 Ukraine's Maria Ulitina to crash out of the competition.

India's badminton player Saina Nehwal plays against Vicente Lohaynny of Brazil during the Women's Single match in the Summer Olympic 2016 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil India's badminton player Saina Nehwal plays against Vicente Lohaynny of Brazil during the Women's Single match in the Summer Olympic 2016 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — India's badminton player Saina Nehwal plays against Vicente Lohaynny of Brazil during the Women's Single match in the Summer Olympic 2016 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"I had a knee pain and could not give my best. It was heavily strapped, and I tried my best. My movements were not smooth and were painful. It's heartbreaking loss. I also feel very bad about it," Saina said.

The injury according to her happened during training before the Olympics and it got worse during the match.

"It happened just before the Olympics about one and half weeks back. It happened during training and got aggravated after coming here," she said.

Saina agreed that she was not able to move well but credited her opponent for playing well.

"She played better but I was not able to move on the court. I tried for improvement but was not successful."

PTI