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Why 2018 was a tough year for Indian badminton

November 30, 2018 14:26 IST

'It is definitely a tough year. Throughout there were so many big tournaments and we did not even have time to rest and think about the next event.'

Saina Nehwal

IMAGE: Saina Nehwal said the players find it difficult to play throughout the year and they need breaks in between. Photograph: Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal said 2018 was a tough year for Indian badminton as players hardly got any breaks to recover between tournaments.

"It is definitely a tough year. Throughout there were so many big tournaments and we did not even have time to rest and think about the next event,"Saina said in Mumbai on Thursday.

"We had the Commonwealth Games, then in 5-10 days, we had Asian Championships, then within one-two months, we had Asian Games and the World Championships and of course our Super Series events.

"That way, sometimes it is not easy. At times, one does not feel like playing," she added.

"But you need to fight it out, wondering what the people and coach will say. The stress is so much that no matter how much a player tries to reach semis or quarters, at times the fatigue level makes you low."

"I am very proud of the result in the Asian and Commonwealth Games and that I could bring medals in both. As the chance comes once in four years, it is something every player dreams of," she said.

IMAGE: Gold medallist Saina Nehwal, right, with silver medallist PV Sindhu at the women's singles event at the 2018 Asian Games. Photograph: Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images

At the same time, she stressed, that top players need a break.

"I know what people think and how they write about performances of Indian players. I can understand the situation of (PV) Sindhu, (Kidambi) Srikanth...we all have played so many tournaments, somewhere it gets to the body and mind.

"It's not easy to perform back to back. We need a break....there were 17-18 tournaments a year and it's so challenging. Where is the time to even correct yourself?" asked Saina.

The players can make corrections in their game only between the tournaments, she pointed out.

"It gets a little tough for the players but we are trying to adjust to it," the Olympic bronze medallist added.

"Next year won't be as tough because we don't have Asian Games or CWG. But then it will be the year before the Olympics....I am happy we are getting a break in between, so that we can work on our mistakes and fitness levels," she said.