Injured Saina Nehwal hopeful of competing in China Super Series

Saina, who has been undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation program, also said that she would take a final call after consulting her physio, Heath Matthews.

 

"My name is there in China Series. My physio (Matthews) feels I can do it, and I'll accordingly decide on playing in the China Super Series Premier. I have two-and-half weeks more to see how well I move on the court and how better I recover," Saina told PTI on the sidelines of the launch of apparel brand Kaira's 13th showroom.

 

Read more: Saina Nehwal will be back in action soon: Coach Vimal Kumar

 

The former World No.1 had to undergo surgery for her knee injury which had affected her progress at the Rio Olympics. The 26-year-old had lost her second group match against Ukraine's Maria Ulitina to crash out of the mega event.

 

China Super Series Premier will be held from November 15-20  and that will be followed by Hong Kong Open Super Series from November 22-27.
Saina said it was not easy to recover from injury as she had to spend six to seven hours on rehab every day.

 

At present, BWF's French Super Series is being held where the only Indian woman participating in the singles event is sixth-seeded PV Sindhu. In Saina's absence, Sindhu has been under pressure to perform well. However, Sindhu failed in the previous Super Series Premier which was in Demark where sahe crashed out in the second round. 

 

"It was not an easy task for me as I had to work for six to seven hours only on rehab. It is a boring thing to do it again and again but had to do to strengthen my knee. I'm happy that I have crossed that stage now and I am back in the court," said the London Games bronze medallist.

 

Talking about her run at the Rio Games, Saina said it was a heartbreaking moment for her to not able to compete at her best at the Rio Olympics due to the injury.

 

Saina said she is working hard on her training and fitness.

 

"It takes four months for a player to recover from an injury, but I have come back in two and half months, and I could do that because of my physio Keith Mathews, so big thanks to him," she said.

 

The 26-year-old from Hyderabad said she is not worried about her game, but eagerly looking forward to getting back into shape for the upcoming tournaments.

 

"If my game is okay I need not have to worry. I'm looking forward to getting back into shape and be fit enough," Saina added.

 

The IOC president Thomas Bach Saina recently appointed Saina as a member of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Athletes Commission, and the Indian said it is a huge responsibility.

 

"It was totally unexpected. This is a very big thing that I'm the first Indian woman to be appointed. It will be a huge responsibility to take up the problems of the athletes before IOC. I hope I could do good to my game and other games," she concluded.