Saina returns to world's top 5, says priority is to play for India

Saina Nehwal has gained a place to be fifth in the latest Badminton World Federation women's singles rankings released on Thursday.  

Saina improved her ranking, riding on her back-to-back quarter-final appearances at Denmark and French Open tournaments this month. 

In both the events, she lost to World No. 2 Chinese Shixian Wang. 

Saina's compatriot P V Sindhu maintained her No.10 position despite losing in the first round of French Open. 

Parupalli Kashyap has made it back to the men's singles top-20 at 17th spot by climbing up four places after a decent show in the last two tournaments. While he made the semi-finals of Denmark Open, he lost in the quarterfinals of French Open. 

Kidambi Srikanth retained his position as the top ranked Indian male shuttler at number 16.  

Indian women's doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa have also re-entered the top-20 at No. 20 after earning two places. 

There is no Indian in the top-25 of either men's and mixed doubles.

For Saina, it is always about playing for India

Meanwhile, in the wake of Sports Ministry's diktat of not to extend financial help to athletes who prefer professional commitment over representing India, Saina has insisted her first priority would always be to play for the country. 

"I don't think anyone would not want play for the country. Everyone would want to play for the country. Sometimes you can't ignore that there is injury or a player goes through some difficult situation. Otherwise, I am sure everyone would want to play for the country and for the pride of the nation," said Saina on the sidelines of an event organised by USHA at the Delhi Golf Club. 

Saina, however, refused to comment when she asked specifically about top tennis players' decision to opt out of the Asian Games to compete in ATP and WTA events. 

"I can only talk about myself and for me it is very important to play for the country," she insisted. 

Meanwhile, Saina said she was extremely happy with the year 2014 where she won two titles -- India Open Grand Prix Gold and Australian Open. 

"I have done very well this year. I have two titles and obviously the players whom I have lost to are only the top three players in the world and there is no one else who have defeated me this year. 

"I am sure one good win and next year will be even better. But if I get some three to four weeks of training, there would a lot of change in my game," said Saina.

Image: Saina Nehwal of India

Photo: Matt King/Getty Images