Saina still a strong bet for major medals: Kashyap

Says a wrong impression has been created about her decision to skip selection trials

Saina Nehwal is still one of India’s strongest medal contenders in major events like the Commonwealth and Asian Games, according to P. Kashyap, her husband and occasional travelling coach.

“She is targeting qualification for the next Paris Olympics,” he said in a chat with The Hindu here on Wednesday. “It is disappointing that a wrong impression is being given about her decision not to take part in the selection trials from April 15 to 20 for the CWG, Asiad, Thomas and Uber Cups.

“She felt she needed at least four weeks to prepare, after the recent European tour, to return to the competitive circuit. She is very keen to avoid any injury scare.

“It is sad that though she wrote to the BAI on April 1, immediately after the selection trials schedule was announced, she is yet to get any response from anyone,” Kashyap said.

“No one even bothered to talk to her. It is not the way to treat someone like Saina who deserves a better deal,” he added.

“Importantly, there seems to be no one reviewing the performances or else they would not have missed the way she has been playing this year. Anyone who has seen the way Saina played in this year’s All England championship would vouch it is only a question of time before she starts winning medals at the highest level,” he said.

“Unfortunately, she is managing the training sessions on her own. After all the struggles in 2021, I am sure Saina is on the way to regain her form at the highest level,” Kashyap said.