Saina Nehwal's game hit due to injuries, rankings pressure: Vimal Kumar

New Delhi: Saina Nehwal would ideally want a favorable draw at the Rio Games in 2016 in order to improve on her bronze medal win at London 2012.

For that to happen, Nehwal needs to play in every tournament till the World Super Series in December to maintain her ranking. 

Of late, the World No. 2 has struggled with her fitness and found it hard to keep up the level of her performance.

After a good show at the World Championships, Saina's form has taken a severe hit.

“Saina is taking proper treatment but her schedule is very tight. Some weeks, she wouldn’t train at all. Look, when you push yourself every day, it can be quite tricky. That aspect was neglected by her as she tried to put herself under a lot of pressure. The need to maintain her ranking is taking a toll on her body. I am concerned because it’s my job to keep her fit for Rio,” her coach, Vimal Kumar told DNA newspaper.

“She is carrying niggles, especially inflammation in the pelvic area. During the World Championship itself, she had been going through a lot of pain. That pain radiated down to her groin area and that aggravated her injury. This we found out in Japan and immediately went for MRI upon returning home.

“The doctors said that the inflammation could be brought down, but for that she would be requiring rest. However, the situation is such that she can’t afford rest, especially since Olympic qualification countdown has started,” he further added.

“She needs to manage this pain till December when the World Super Series gets over. That’s when you can really address these issues with a little bit of rest. You cannot completely take her off from the circuit. It’s a very tricky situation for her, and I believe it’s pretty harsh on her,” he concluded.