Saina Nehwal doubtful for Asian event

Kidambi Srikanth practices at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad on Friday. (Photo: Asian Age)

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team,” says Phil Jackson and this homily strikes you when you know your top player is likely to miss out on playing for the country.

The participation of Saina Nehwal — India’s best hope in the women’s singles category — at the Badminton Asia Team Championships to be played from February 15 to 21 here, hangs in the balance.

The world no. 2 has been named in the squad but her participation is doubtful. “As of now we have not received any official withdrawal request from Saina, so we are a little uncertain about her participation,” India’s chief coach Pullela Gopichand said on Friday.

However, it is learnt from informed sources that the star player will not take part in any tournament until the All England Open that run from March 8 to 13.

Asked if her absence would hurt India’s chances at the Asian meet, Gopi said, “Saina is a very strong player. Her services will be missed but we have the likes of P.V. Sindhu and Ruthvika Shivani who are up for the challenge.

“Other girls on the block have also been doing well. Hopefully we will put up a strong show and win a medal.”

Ace women’s doubles player Jwala Gutta echoed Gopichand’s thoug-hts. “If Saina plays, it will give us that edge. We are always under pressure to perform. Now, with her participation unlikely, we have a little more pressure but are raring to go,” Jwala said.

“Ashwini (Ponnappa) and myself have done really well against the Japanese and we hope to do the same against them this time as well,” the 32-year-old added.

Meanwhile, in the men’s category Parupalli Kashyap, who pulled out of the South Asian Games due to injury, will also not participate in the seven-day tourney.

Gopi said, “Kashyap will not be playing but with the others like Ajay Jayaram and Prannoy H.S. we have a great chance of winning a medal.”