Sport - Badminton

Tough challenge ahead of Saina : Vimal

BANGALORE: Saina Nehwal’s entry into the top 10 in World ranking was hailed by former National badminton champion and former National chief coach U. Vimal Kumar, who termed it a “very creditable achievement.”

Vimal Kumar told The Hindu, “by becoming the first Indian woman player in the World’s top 10, Saina has set a new benchmark for all our players. It means that she will be seeded in all major international tournaments and gets direct entries into Super Series events, which is not only a big honour, but also poses its own set of challenges.”

Elaborating on the challenges that Saina is likely to face on the road ahead, Vimal Kumar said: “Super Series events are confined to 16 to 32 players, and when one is in such a strong league there are chances that one can lose early. Saina too had lost in the first round of her last tournament.

She should work on her mental toughness to take such defeats in her stride and work on her consistency, he said.

Vimal Kumar felt Saina has what it takes to stay in the top 10. “It is tough, but she can do it and for that she has to win tournaments or keep making the last eight or last four rounds in major events. It is bound to boost her confidence and help her keep her place in the top ten.”

When asked whether a stint of training overseas would help her sustain her momentum, Vimal Kumar felt there was no need for it. “I think she is very happy with the training conditions here and she spars with quite a few top-notch players — both men and women. I don’t think she needs to train abroad,” said Vimal Kumar.

However, he was disappointed with the way the Badminton Association of India had scrapped major events for the remaining season.

“There is nothing for our senior players on the calendar, whether it was due to financial crunch or due to security concerns, it is going to hurt the players. Especially when some of them are doing so well on the international circuit,” he added.

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