Mumbai : It was sheer disappointment for the fans at the Sardar Patel NSCI Stadium here, as India’s star shuttler Saina Nehwal today pulled out of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) opener between Awadhe Warriors and Mumbai Rockets, citing a foot injury.
The World No. 2, who was bought by Awadhe Warriors for a whopping USD 100,000, is the biggest drawing card in the revamped league .
The ace shuttler withdrew herself at the last moment citing she is yet to recover from the foot injury sustained a couple of weeks back . With the Rio Olympics scheduled in August , she wished not to aggravate her injury .
“Just the last couple of weeks (ago) I had suffered an injury on the feet. It is quite serious and I am on the verge of recovering,” Saina said.
“This being the Olympic year I wanted to play it safe. It was my first (practice) sessions after a few weeks. We have five matches and I hope to recover and play.
“We will do well. Definitely this is one of the biggest leagues and will help all our players,” she added while addressing the crowd at the stadium.
Saina had played in the season-ending Dubai Super Series in December last but did not cross the group stage after losing two out of three games.
She had reached the final of China Open in November before pulling out of Hong Kong Open due to the foot injury and then took part in Dubai.
Saina’s place in the women’s singles was taken by 17-year-old G. Vrushali from Telangana .
There have been a lot of pressure on Saina to participate. It is obvious that in her absence, PBL will struggle to retain its luster for the Television broadcaster. Today is probably going to the first time that I will be sitting outside and cheering my team mates.” said a joking Nehwal.
The inauguration ceremony of PBL was an absolute blast. Bollywood stars like Jacqueline Fernandez performed sizzling hot dance performances. The crowd was thoroughly entertained. Although the entire event had acquired a new sheen just by the mere presence of the first No. 1 female badminton player of India.
Hosts Mumbai Rockets started the PBL campaign on a winning note . The Rockets won against the Saina Nehwal-led Awadhe Warriors in the opening match.