HYDERABAD: It was just before her comeback at the China Open last November. Saina Nehwal had hinted that her career might come to a premature end, due to recurring injuries. 2016 was a kind of year that could have prompted her to take such a drastic step. First, it was an Achilles problem that kept her out for six months, and then a knee injury and surgery led to the loss of four crucial months.
But all such doubts would have vanished from Saina’s mind on Sunday, after she displayed grit and determination to win the Malaysian Masters beating Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand 22-20, 22-20. After the win Saina said, “It was a tough four months for me. I worked really hard to reach this position. I thank coaches Vimal Kumar and Umendra Rana. I also have to thank physios Heath Matthews, Chandan Poddar and Arvind Nigam.”
The Bengaluru-based Vimal believes it is up to a player how she handles the comeback, and experience counts a lot. “Saina is an experienced campaigner. She is mentally strong and knows what it takes to make a comeback. Having said that, 2016 was a tough year for her. Even I didn’t expect her to recover so soon. All credit goes to Saina for performing the way she has,” Vimal Kumar told Express.
Malaysian Masters is a Grand Prix Gold event, third in hierarchy of four categories in international badminton tournaments.
World No 10 despite the slump, Saina beat the World No 67 in the final. Semifinal opponent Yup Pui Yin of Hong Kong was ranked 30th. Vimal, who has been with the Hyderabadi since 2014, feels Saina is still not at her best but this win will give her confidence to do better in bigger tournaments.
Though a lot of big names were missing in Malaysia, it was still the 23rd title for Saina, including three top-tier Super Series Premier wins.
“I would say Saina is 60 per cent fit. She still has some way to go. But this win will be a huge relief for her. She beat players ranked below her, but the final proved to be quite challenging. The way she coped with pressure was heartening. It will make her realise that she still belongs here,” the coach added.
With All England Championship and India Open in sight, Vimal wants Saina to regain full fitness and improve on grey areas seen in Malaysia. “I would want Saina to move better. I’m sure in weeks to come, we will improve on this aspect. She just needs to play her natural game. We’ll have to wait and watch how things pan out for All England and India Open. She is yet to take a call on the Syed Modi event,” Vimal concluded.
madhav@newindianexpress.com