I’ll miss training Saina, says Vimal Kumar

Bengaluru: Vimal Kumar on Tuesday said he would miss working with Saina Nehwal but stressed it was important to support the Indian ace in her pursuit to excel in the remaining years of her international career.

Three years after parting ways, Saina once again resumed her partnership with long-time mentor Pullela Gopichand and Vimal said he had a detailed discussion with the chief coach regarding her decision to shift base to Hyderabad.

“I spoke to Gopi yesterday. We had a very clear understanding. The discussion was absolutely fine,” Kumar said here. Asked if he would miss Saina, Kumar said: “It was good to have worked with a girl like Saina. Her work ethic, spirit and enthusiasm to train hard are Saina’s qualities I will miss.”

Kumar said training in Bengaluru had been tough for Saina because she was missing her father Harvir Singh, who has not been keeping well after he had an operation. The former national coach said he told Gopichand that they both needed to ensure they gave whatever top players such as P.V. Sindhu and Saina required.

“The inner feelings and emotions of top athletes is different. They are constantly wanting to get better and better. So, we need to understand that and try not putting a break on to their enthusiasm.” Kumar said players like Saina would excel under any coach or academy, because 90 per cent of their success depends on their hard work.